Turnkey solution includes eReaders, software and content;

HarperCollins Publishers and Sourcebooks join growing list of publishers;

Seven beta sites announced

3M Library Systems will debut its new 3M Cloud Library eBook Lending Service at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, taking place Thursday, June 23 through Tuesday, June 28 in New Orleans, La. 3M’s innovative new system is composed of both digital content and in-library hardware, along with apps for borrowing and reading, providing libraries with a simple, turnkey system for advancing their digital offerings.

The 3M Cloud Library eBook lending service offers software and hardware, as well as eBooks from a steadily growing list of leading publishers including HarperCollins Publishers, IPG, Random House and Sourcebooks. 3M will announce formal agreements with additional publishing partners in the coming months.

“3M has created a tool to connect libraries to their patrons in new and exciting ways,” says Matt Tempelis, global business manager, 3M Library Systems. “An eBook system gives libraries a way to reach a larger audience in their communities, and to keep patrons coming back. We are confident the 3M Cloud Library has the elegance and simplicity that will help users enjoy this exciting technology.”

Exploring the 3M Cloud Library

The Cloud Library eBook lending service consists of several components that help users browse the electronic catalog and read on the device of their choice:

• 3M Discovery Terminals: Patrons at the library can browse the content catalog on 3M Discovery Terminals, electronic kiosks with an intuitive touch-based interface.
• 3M eReaders: Content from the Cloud Library can be synced with easy-to-use 3M eReaders that can be checked out like any other lendable materials.
• Mobile device compatibility: The service’s eBooks are compatible with PCs, Macs, iPads, Nooks, and Androids. Using their personal devices patrons can browse, check out and read eBooks all without leaving the app. For popular titles, patrons can add their names to a waiting list for the digital and/or print content within the app as well.

This flexible solution allows patrons to check out or buy materials and read on the device of their choice—at home or on the go.

“The 3M Cloud Library eBook lending service is designed for maximum flexibility, letting patrons access and browse the system on the tool they prefer most, and take their books with them wherever they go,” said Tempelis. “With the ability to connect to the library on site, from a home PC or from a digital device, patrons have more options for browsing and reading than ever before.”

Experiencing the Cloud Library

The system is planned for installation beginning this summer at a number of locations across the country, including the Saint Paul Public Library, Minn.; Bergen County Cooperative Library System, N.J.; Maricopa County Library District, Ariz.; Douglas County Libraries, Colo.; Darien Library, Conn.; Richland County Public Library, S.C.; and the State Library of Kansas on behalf of the Kansas Digital Library Consortium. 3M will seek feedback from both patrons and staff at these locations on the service’s ease of use and functionality, using their input to continue to refine the system.

3M Library Systems worked closely with library staff members to design the service, which enabled the creation of a solution that meets the needs of both library staff and library patrons. A global leader in library solutions, 3M Library Systems has a 40-year history of innovation, and will back the Cloud Library eBook lending service with the same outstanding customer service for which 3M is known.

“We carefully selected libraries of varying sizes and technological advancement from around the country to be a part of our beta program,” said Tom Mercer, digital business development leader, 3M Library Systems. “We are working closely with library staff members during the beta phase to fine tune the system in order to create the ideal service for patrons and libraries alike.”

Attendees of the ALA Annual Conference will have the opportunity to view a sneak peek of the 3M eReaders and 3M Discovery Terminal, as well as the 3M Cloud Library App for iPad. Visitors to the 3M booth, number 3126, can also enter for a chance to win an hourly drawing for a Nook eReader.

About 3M Library Systems
3M Library Systems is the only company that develops, designs, and manufactures cutting-edge digital media, circulation management and security solutions. Finding the technology solution that is right for our customers, 3M's promise is to deliver a long term partnership that is built to exceed their expectations. For more information about 3M Library Systems, visit http://www.3m.com/library or follow @3MLibrary on Twitter.

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

3M is a trademark of 3M. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Karwoski & Courage Public RelationsEmily Finley, 612-342-9732e.finley@creativepr.comor3M Public RelationsConnie Thompson, 651-733-8914www.3m.com/PressContact