Participating Michigan libraries on July 1 began the inaugural year of the new MeL Statewide Delivery service.

In March, the Library of Michigan and the Michigan Library Consortium announced the selection of ProMed Delivery Inc., of Sterling Heights, as the provider for this exciting new piece of the Michigan eLibrary project. The sign-up period for July 1 service began at the end of March and ended at the end of May. Libraries interested in joining the service may do so on a monthly basis.

In the first round, 161 libraries around the state decided to participate.

The MeL Delivery courier service provides five day-a-week pickup and delivery to participating libraries, with deliveries throughout Michigan in two days. Libraries may choose 2 day/week, 3 day/week, 4 day/week or 5 day/week service. The goal is to provide faster, more cost-effective delivery of interlibrary loan materials in Michigan.

A flat-rate fee for this service, based on the number of stops per week, is paid by individual participating libraries.

Participation is open to any public, academic, school or special library, and any library cooperative, school district, ISD or REMC in the state. Membership in the Michigan Library Consortium and/or the Michigan eLibrary is not required.

For more information, contact Anne Donohue at adonohue@mlcnet.org or 800-530-9019, Ext 42.

Updated 01/09/2006