Remote Access


The contracts for each Michigan eLibrary database vendor have different provisions regarding allowable remote access for library patrons. The following is a summary of what forms of remote access libraries are permitted to make available for each database service.

All Michigan residents may access the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) databases remotely with a valid Michigan driver's license number or an official State of Michigan ID card number (available at any Secretary of State's office for Michigan residents who are non-drivers) from the MeL Databases page. Patrons of participating MeLCat libraries may enter their library barcode numbers.


Contract guidelines restrict the use of passwords. Usernames and passwords may never be posted on any webpages, in newsletters, newspapers, etc. They may only be shared with individual patrons.


EBSCO eBooks

Libraries may offer remote access to EBSCO's eBooks if the library has its own remote patron authentication system that requires patrons to enter a patron ID to gain access to the databases. If the library does not have a remote patron authentication system, patrons may access EBSCO eBooks by going to the MeL Databases page and using the driver's license or MeLCat barcode authentication system. Patrons may also create their own accounts at the library, then log on to the EBSCO eBook collection remotely by going to: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip,uid&profile=ehost&defaultdb=nlebk.

Gale

Libraries may NOT give out their original Gale/InfoTrac password to patrons. Libraries that wish to provide a remote password for their patrons should contact the MeL Databases Support Staff to have Gale set up a remote password for their account. Libraries should not post the password on the web or in a newsletter or newspaper or other publication. Libraries may offer remote access to InfoTrac to their patrons if the library has its own remote patron authentication system which requires patrons to enter a patron ID to gain access to the databases.


LearningExpress, LLC

Libraries may offer remote access to LearningExpress Library if the library has its own remote patron authentication system that requires patrons to enter a patron ID to gain access to the databases. If the library does not have a remote patron authentication system, patrons may access  LearningExpress Library by going to MeL Databases page and using using the driver's license or MeLCat barcode authentication system. Patrons may create their own accounts at the library, then log on to LearningExpress Library as a "returning user" also.


ProQuest

CultureGrams
Libraries that wish to provide a password for patrons should contact the MeL Databases Support Staff. Libraries should not post the username and password on the web or in a newsletter or newspaper or other publication. A library may offer remote access to CultureGrams to their patrons if the library has its own remote patron authentication system which requires patrons to enter a patron ID to gain access to the databases.

eLibrary & eLibrary Elementary
Libraries may share their username and password for eLibrary Elementary with their own patrons. Libraries may take care to caution their patrons not to give the username and password to anyone else. Libraries may not post the username and password on the web or in a newsletter or newspaper or other publication.

Libraries may offer remote access to eLibrary Elementary to their patrons if the library has its own remote patron authentication system which requires patrons to enter a patron ID to gain access to the databases.

SIRS Discoverer Deluxe and SIRS Renaissance
Libraries that wish to provide a password for patrons should contact the MeL Databases Support Staff. Libraries should not post the username and password on the web or in a newsletter or newspaper or other publication. A library may offer remote access to SIRS to their patrons if the library has its own remote patron authentication system which requires patrons to enter a patron ID to gain access to the databases.


Turfgrass Information File 

Libraries may offer remote access to TGIF if the library has its own remote patron authentication system that requires patrons to enter a patron ID to gain access to the databases. If the library does not have a remote patron authentication system, patrons may access TGIF by going to mel.org and using using the driver's license or MeLCat barcode authentication system.


For information on configuring your library's RPA system or for technical support, please contact the MeL Databases Support Staff. To register, or report any IP changes, please click here.


This service is funded in part by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan. Additional project support comes from the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).