Hekman Library strives to meet user needs, both through our collection and by leveraging our network of other library partners. When a user needs an item that is not owned or available through Hekman Library, in-person or online, they can request the item through the Michigan eLibrary or Interlibrary Loan. These two programs allow Hekman Library users to freely borrow materials and receive copies from other library collections in Michigan and around the world.
Hekman Library provides requesting services to all faculty, staff, students, alumni (see limitations below), emeriti of Calvin University and Seminary, visiting scholars, and Christian Reformed pastors. Individuals not affiliated with Calvin University and Seminary should check their local public library or home educational institution to submit requests.
Michigan eLibrary
MeL is a state-wide network representing nearly every library in Michigan - more than 6 million unique book titles, DVDs/Blu-Rays, music, microfilm, and more (journal and newspaper articles are retrieved through InterLibrary Loan).
MeL is a free service available to most Hekman Library users (guests and alumni users should check their local public or school libraries to utilize MeL).
When you request an item through MeL, it will be sent to Hekman Library for pick up at the Circulation desk.. This will take around 3-5 days, and you will receive an e-mail from Hekman staff to pick it up.
In general, MeL books check out for 28 days with 1 renewal, and audio-visual materials check out for 14 days. You can check the status of your MeL requests anytime through mel.org.
Be sure to return your MeL items by their due date to the Hekman Library. Overdue MeL items will cost $1/day, with no grace period.
Interlibrary Loan
ILL allows you to borrow items from across the U.S. and around the world. When requesting physical items, Hekman Library staff will check MeL holdings first.
ILL is a free service available to most Hekman Library users. (Alumni are allowed up to 5 ILL requests, with some restrictions. Guests should use their local public or school library for ILL.)
In general, articles requested through ILL will often arrive within 3 days. Physical materials will generally arrive within 2-3 weeks, but may take longer.
When your ILL articles are made available, you'll receive a PDF copy in your email inbox. When your ILL books or other physical items arrive, library staff will email you to pick up at the Circulation desk.
The length of time you can keep an ILL item varies; the checkout period is determined by the lending library and noted on the ILL slip placed into the item.
If you want to check the status of your requests or request a renewal of your items from the lending library, you can log in to your ILL account here anytime.
Be sure to return your ILL items by their due date to the Hekman Library. Overdue ILL items will cost $1/day, with no grace period.
Contact Hekman Library for help with requesting through ILL or MeL, or check out our how-to videos for step-by-step visuals:
In Main Circulation Area (see Maps)
Phone 616.526.8573
E-mail ill@calvin.edu