For small and rural libraries, the high-quality Michigan eLibrary eResources open a vast world of opportunities. The Coleman Area Library depends on content in MeL to assist our patrons.

Summer Reading

During the pandemic, the MeL eResources were a lifesaver for our summer reading program. I used Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center to find craft kit ideas. The eBooks in the eBook K-8 Collection were used as part of our virtual story time. World Book Kids helped with content for research topics and learning activities, and I used the World Book Early Learning Print and Do activities for grab and go activities. Along with crafts, I included a link for a reading list each week featuring downloadable eBooks from the eBook K-8 Collection. For example, during farm animal week I searched for eBooks about farm animals and then used the Refine Results menu to select eBooks and I shared a Permalink for the list. 

Address Search, Mailing Lists, and Job Resources

The most frequent way we use AtoZdatabases is the Find a Person search. You can search by name or as a reverse phone search. I have used this feature to help a patron find the address of a person in another state. A local businessperson said to me, “I wish I had a way of getting mailing addresses for people new to the community.” Thanks to MeL, the library was able to help with that! With AtoZdatabases you can create mailing lists for new residents in your ZIP Code or mailing lists for all the businesses within a community. AtoZdatabases also offers a Find a Job search and career resources.

Finding Automobile Wiring Diagrams and Part Lists

We used to carry a very limited number of Chilton’s repair manuals, but we could not purchase every make and model. Auto Repair Source gives our staff the ability to help patrons quickly and easily find wiring diagrams or part numbers for a wide variety of vehicles. Using this MeL eResource, our patrons can locate the parts they need and get back to fixing their cars quickly.

Testing, Career, and Computer Skills

When a patron is looking to expand their career skills, improve their computer skills, or prepare for a college admissions test, we show them LearningExpress Library. With online video lessons, practice tests, and a step-by-step resume builder, LearningExpress Library offers a one-stop portal for making your goals a reality.

Using the MeL eResources has helped the staff at Coleman Area Library expand the services we are able to provide for our patrons.

This month's MeL Minute is by guest author Amy Comber Gross, Library Assistant and MeL Maven at Coleman Area Library. The Coleman Area Library is in Northern Central Michigan and is a class 2 library serving a population of 4,567.

If you are having any issues linking to items on this page, please explore the MeL eResource Access Page. Contact melerhelp@mcls.org for help.

Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. 

Hey front line staff: The MeL Maven Badge is a 6-part Information Literacy and eResource adventure designed for you. Start earning your Badge today at MeL.org!

Want more information on MeL? Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. 

MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. 

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Laura Warren-Gross

Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries

Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS)

1 800 530 9019 ext 152