IT’S AN UNAPOLOGETIC bookworm, a hit at trivia games, a great homework helper and its memory is lightning-fast.Even if you’ve never met, you soon may find yourself basking in its boundless knowledge and 24/7 stamina.
Meet the new and improved MeL – Michigan eLibrary – now available at http://mel.org, on a computer, tablet, or smartphone screen near you.
Part of the Library of Michigan, the state’s official digital library got a comprehensive makeover to go with a faster “discovery” search engine. The goal was to make MeL more user-friendly.
“MeL has a fantastic new look and feel, along with increased availability of its discover search service on the homepages of MeL and Michigana, which houses the state digital history collections,” said State Superintendent Mike Flanagan. “The MeL homepage search box provides access to MeLCat, the shared statewide catalog and interloan service for more than 425 libraries statewide.”
MeL’s homepage search feature also accesses selected MeL subscription eResources or databases, Michigan Online Resources for Educators (M.O.R.E.) curricular content, and digital Michigan history projects. Using the search box on the Michigana homepage, http://mel.org/michigana, users can access digital history collections.
Additionally, both the Kids and Teens gateways were redesigned. At MeL Kids, http://mel.org/kids, new mascot, “Brookie,” and pal, “ReadIt,” introduce young MeL users to resources aimed at helping them become engaged readers. MeL Teens, http://mel.org/teens, meanwhile, includes resources aimed at helping teens with school assignments, preparing for college or career.
“MeL Teens prepares Michigan teens for when life happens,” said State Librarian Randy Riley. “I think teens will agree the site is simply cool.”
LM, http://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan, and Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, http://mcls.org, partnered on the MeL redesign for more than a year. They worked with Innovative Interfaces Inc., EBSCO EDS and Strudell Studios.
“This collaboration resulted in remarkable new functionality for MeL.” Riley said. “We’re now able to offer easy access to a wide array of eResources from the search box on the homepage. And, as always, the resources and information found in MeL are available at no cost to all Michigan residents.”
MeL includes subscription eResources such as eBooks, full-text articles, test prep and vetted subject-specific websites.
MeL may be accessed from home, school, office or all Michigan public libraries.