New System Also Enables Simultaneous Weeding of Collections; Saves Time and Money by Eliminating Need for Multiple Steps

3M Library Systems today introduced its 3M Print Conversion System for high-speed conversion to RFID (radio frequency identification) collection management systems and subsequent tag printing, here at the American Library Association’s annual conference, held at the Anaheim Convention Center (booth 2240).

The 3M Print Conversion System, with its easy-to-use intuitive interface, fast reader, and automatic tag printer, enables staff to simultaneously print bar codes and custom logos on the RFID tags, while weeding the collection at the same time.

“The resulting productivity increase and cost savings are substantial,” says Jacob Haas, market development manager, 3M Library Systems. “Even after RFID conversion, libraries want to retain barcodes to have a visible number on their collection items for various uses, and a logo to identify items that are loaned to other branches and libraries. The 3M Print Conversion System handles all of that in one step, plus weeding. It’s one of the most efficient conversion systems available, and eliminates the cost of buying barcodes for future additions to the library collection.”

Haas also notes that the 3M Print Conversion System, as with all 3M Library Systems RFID products, gives the user access to 3M Tag Data Manager, which empowers the library to change its data format to ISO tag data without changing tags, if future needs make that desirable or necessary.

“We don’t lock our customers into our data format,” he says. “We want libraries to have the freedom to make changes as easily and cost-effectively as possible, especially because an ISO standardized format may be issued in the not-too-distant future.”

The 3M Print Conversion System works with a library’s own PCs so the user can leverage its advantageously priced PC contracts and maintain standardized computer usage. The system is available with high-volume and regular-volume options to suit individual library requirements. It also can reprogram RFID tags as items change.

“The 3M Print Conversion System is another important step forward for the productivity gains that RFID is bringing to libraries around the world,” says Rory Yanchek, business manager, 3M Track and Trace Solutions. “As the demand for library services increases at a time when budgets are static, at best, we are making this technology easy to use so that every library staff member can perform his or her tasks with greater efficiency and job satisfaction.”

The new workstation meets the EU RoHS (European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive. RoHS restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, including that sold to the library market. To learn more about how 3M Library Systems products meet the EU RoHS directive, visit http://www.3M.com/us/library and click Recycling/Regulatory.

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

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.

3M is a trademark of 3M.

3M Public RelationsColleen Harris, 651-733-1566csthompson1@mmm.comorLVM Group Inc.Bob Rumerman, 212-499-6567bob@lvmgroup.comPaul Marin, 212-499-6571paul@lvmgroup.com