MeL is widely used. In just 2024:
19.2
MILLION
Research articles accessed
OVER
1 MILLION
MeLCat items loaned
$26.96
RETURN
For every $1 spent on MeL
FAQ
What is Happening?
On March 14, 2025, an Executive Order was issued directing the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to eliminate non-statutory programs and reduce its functions and personnel to the minimum required by law. This directive affects federal support for library and museum services nationwide, including resources Michigan residents access through their local libraries.
What is IMLS?
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is a federal agency established in 1996 that provides funding to libraries and museums across the country. In Michigan, IMLS funding supports:
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The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and its component services
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Competitive grants for special projects at individual libraries
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Professional development for library staff
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Research and data collection about library services
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Technology initiatives that improve access to information
IMLS funding represents approximately 0.0043% of the federal budget.
Michigan's Annual IMLS Funding
Michigan typically receives:
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Approximately $4.78 million in Grants to States program funding
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Around $2.25 million in individual grants to libraries
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Approximately $1.77 million for museums and archives
What is MeL and MeLCat?
The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) is a statewide resource established to provide equitable access to information for all Michigan residents, regardless of location or economic status. MeL includes:
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MeLCat: A statewide interlibrary loan system connecting 435 libraries across Michigan, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025
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Research Databases: Over 40 specialized databases covering topics from academic research to consumer information
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eBooks and Digital Resources: Collections of electronic books, audiobooks, and other digital materials
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Learning Resources: Educational tools for students of all ages
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Michigan-specific Collections: Resources focused on state history and culture
MeLCat has built a database with over 34 million holdings with an average request fill rate of over 90%, facilitating more than 1 million interlibrary loans annually.
MeL Usage Facts
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Over 1 Million: MeLCat items loaned annually across Michigan
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19.2 Million: Research articles accessed through MeL in 2024
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$26.96 return: For every $1 spent on MeL services
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All 83 Counties: MeL serves residents in every Michigan county
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All Library Types: Public, academic, school, and special libraries utilize MeL services
How Grace A. Dow Memorial Library Uses MeL Services
Our library makes extensive use of MeL resources to serve our community:
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We participate in MeLCat to expand our collection beyond our physical walls
We provide access to professional research databases that would be prohibitively expensive to purchase individually -
Our staff receives training and professional development through MeL-supported programs
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We utilize MeL resources for reference services, helping patrons find accurate information
How This Affects Grace A. Dow Memorial Library Patrons
If federal funding changes impact MeL services, Grace A. Dow Memorial Library patrons may experience:
Access to Materials
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Canceled Interlibrary Loan Service Through MeL: Last year, our library exchanged over 20,000 materials through the MeLCat system. This allowed our patrons to borrow books, DVDs, and other materials from libraries across Michigan that we don't have in our collection.
Database Access
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Limited Research Resources: Many of the research databases currently available to our patrons are provided through MeL, including:
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Academic resources for students
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Business and career information
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Health and medical information
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Genealogy research tools
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Auto repair and DIY resources
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Early literacy resources
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Reduced At-Home Access: The ability to access these resources from home computers would also be affected.
Staff Training and Program Development
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Reduced Professional Development: Staff training programs funded through IMLS grants have helped us develop and maintain high-quality services.
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Fewer Special Programs: Grant funding that supports special initiatives and programs could be reduced.
Historical Context of MeL
MeL was established to ensure that all Michigan residents have access to high-quality information resources regardless of their local library's budget or size. Since its inception:
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MeLCat has grown from 12 member libraries in 2005 to over 435
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The service has expanded to include libraries using different automation systems
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The program has maintained a 90%+ fill rate for requested materials
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Usage has grown consistently year over year
Current Status of IMLS Funding
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Funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025 (ending September 2025) has been appropriated to the IMLS through the newly approved Continuing Resolution
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The Executive Order directs IMLS to reduce operations to the minimum required by law
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Future funding levels for Fiscal Year 2026 remain uncertain (starting October 1, 2025)
Funding Structure for MeL
MeL is funded through:
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IMLS Grants to States program
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Administration through the State of Michigan/Library of Michigan
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Additional funding from the State of Michigan
This page provides factual information about potential impacts to library services. Grace A. Dow Memorial Library provides this information as a public service to our patrons who may experience changes in available resources.
Additional Information Resources
For factual information about the Michigan eLibrary and its services:
For information about your federal elected officials: