New Options Give Customers Efficient Checkout Solution, Free Up Staff, Speed Revenue Collection

Check out an item and pay a fine or fee, using cash, credit or debit card, without any assistance from library staff? Libraries can now offer this easy, convenient service with new automated self-pay options from 3M Library Systems.

A comprehensive solution for automated checkout and fine and fee payments was announced here today at the American Library Association’s annual Mid-Winter Meeting, held at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center.

“This is a logical extension of 3M’s automated services for libraries,” said Rory Yanchek, business manager, 3M Library Systems. “Integrating self-pay capability with self-service encourages on-time returns and improves circulation, while freeing library personnel to be more productive. It also helps make revenue collection from fines and fees substantially more efficient.”

3M Library Systems will offer a “basic” fines and fees self-pay option that allows for payment with credit or debit card, and a “flexible” option that adds a cash payment alternative, along with credit and debit cards. The flexible option includes an automated payment machine that accepts paper currency and change.

3M SelfCheck Systems, introduced in 1992, pioneered the field of automated library collection management and circulation functions. 3M SelfCheck Systems employ radio frequency identification technology and/or bar codes to process the checkout and return of collection items. For highest material security, 3M offers its Tattle-Tape Security Strip technology.

3M Library Systems can be visited at the ALA Mid-Winter Meeting in booth 1415.

A global leader in library innovation for more than 35 years, 3M Library Systems provides security, productivity and information management solutions that harness technology to enable a more human library, freeing librarians to spend more time doing what they do best – helping people. 3M also partners with libraries to support their technological advancement and ensure their success through numerous industry sponsorships and programs. For more information about the 3M Library Systems solutions, visit http://www.3M.com/us/library or call (800) 253-6845.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company’s customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, SelfCheck, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command, Vikuiti and Tattle-Tape are trademarks of 3M.

3MPublic Relations:Connie Thompson, 651-733-8914http://www.3m.com/PressContactor3M Library SystemsShelly Niebur, 651-733-8141http://www.3m.com/PressContactorLVM Group Inc.Bob Rumerman, 212-499-6567bob@lvmgroup.com