General Information

The online search for materials should begin with the Eshleman Library website. Feeling uncertain about where or how to begin your research? A Reference Librarian is available to help.

If you have determined that the Eshleman Library does not have the material that you need, a number of options are available to HFC students, faculty, and staff.

MeLCat is a free service that allows HFC library account holders to request books from libraries across Michigan and have the books delivered to the Eshleman Library. Most requests arrive in 7-10 days.

To have materials delivered to the HFC library, library users must be a current HFC employee or currently enrolled student and have an active library account.

• Library account holders may not request items that are already available in the HFC library collection. See a Reference Librarian with any questions.
• Most books borrowed through MeLCat will be loaned for 3 weeks. One 3-week renewal is granted. Audio/visual materials have a 1 week loan period and may not be renewed.
• Library users will be notified by phone or email when items are ready to be picked up. When your items are ready, you may pick them up at the first floor library Circulation Desk.  Users will also be notified if a request can not be completed for any reason. 

HFC is also part of the MeLCat Visiting Patron Service, which allows library account holders to check out available materials in person from participating libraries. To borrow materials at a participating library, HFC library users will need to bring their HFC ID with library barcode attached and a second picture ID. View a full list of MeLCat Libraries here.

Eshleman Library can request journal and scholarly articles, as well as books and other materials not available through MeLCat, on a library user's behalf from other institutions through OCLC (Online Computer Library Center). OCLC requests are generally fulfilled in under 14 days.

A Reference Librarian can help you determine if OCLC is the best option for obtaining materials for your research.

HFC students have reciprocal borrowing privileges with the University of Michigan - Dearborn. Library users must present an HFC library card and proof of current semester registration.

Search for books at the University of Michigan - Dearborn Mardigian Library.

HFC students also have reciprocal borrowing privileges at at the Dearborn Centennial Library. Library users will be issued a guest card with a copy of a current class schedule and a valid Michigan ID.

Search for books at the Dearborn Public Library.