3M Library Systems Collaborates with NISO to Enhance Future Library Self-Service Technologies

3M Library Systems and NISO have joined together in an effort to drive future innovation of the Standard Interchange Protocol (SIP) as an American National Standard. Originally this was developed by 3M to provide a common communication language that would drive adoption of self-service systems for libraries. SIP has become the de-facto standard for the communication between self-service devices and Integrated Library Systems (ILS) globally.

Shortly after 3M introduced the first SelfCheck System for libraries in 1992, it quickly became evident that there was a need for a standardized communication mechanism for ILS and self-service devices. As a leader in library technology and a strong advocate for the advancement of libraries, 3M initiated development of SIP which paved the way for self-service devices in libraries and brought many new suppliers and innovations to the market.

Since the inception of SIP in 1993, 3M has continued to lead the development of updated versions, most recently with version 3.0 released in late 2011. Each update has addressed the evolving needs of libraries and has provided extensions to simplify and support automated materials handling systems, PC management systems and fine and fee payment solutions.

“We are proud of the contributions SIP has made to the library community over the years. While 3M has always sought input from the libraries, developers and interested parties in enhancing the protocol, the time is right for further development of SIP to be done in a more independent, community environment which NISO provides,” said Skip Driessen, Global Business Manager for 3M Library Systems.

“The maturity of the SIP protocol and its implementation track record should allow it to move quickly through the NISO standardization process,” stated Todd Carpenter, NISO Managing Director. “We anticipate that version 3.0, as it currently stands or with very minor revisions, will be adopted as a standard following a brief period of review within a NISO Working Group.”

Anyone interested in participating in the working group to review SIP 3.0 and prepare it for balloting as a NISO standard should contact NISO at nisohq@niso.org. More information about the project, including the project proposal, can be found on the NISO website in the SIP Workroom: www.niso.org/workrooms/sip.

About 3M Library Systems
3M Library Systems is committed to helping libraries thrive by providing cutting edge technologies including RFID, automated materials handling (AMH), self check and security solutions, as well as our latest innovation 3M Cloud Library, the fastest growing eBook Lending Service. Finding the technology solution that is right for each unique library, 3M’s promise is to deliver a long term partnership that is built to exceed expectations. Follow us on Twitter @3MLibrary or visit www.3M.com/us/library.

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 $30 billion in sales, 3M employs 84,000 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 Company.

About NISO
NISO, based in Baltimore, Maryland, fosters the development and maintenance of standards that facilitate the creation, persistent management, and effective interchange of information so that it can be trusted for use in research and learning. To fulfill this mission, NISO engages libraries, publishers, information aggregators, and other organizations that support learning, research, and scholarship through the creation, organization, management, and curation of knowledge. NISO works with intersecting communities of interest and across the entire lifecycle of information standard. NISO is a not-for-profit association accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). For more information, visit the NISO website: www.niso.org.

Karwoski & Courage Public RelationsEmily Finley, 612-342-9732e.finley@creativepr.comor3MConnie Thompson, 651-733-89143M Public Relationswww.3m.com/PressContact