Powerful new features include Recommended Reads powered through partnership with NoveList
3M Library Systems will unveil a fresh and re-imagined interface for its 3M™ SelfCheck™ system at the American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 27 – July 1 in Chicago. After developing the SelfCheck category more than 20 years ago, 3M continues its leadership with the new 3M™ SelfCheck™ QuickConnect Interface, which gives libraries brand new tools to increase circulation, promote events, and enhance the user experience—all with a simplified interface that helps users do more with fewer steps.
Through an exciting new partnership, 3M SelfCheck stations will now draw on the power of NoveList® Select to give customers title recommendations from the library’s catalog based on the materials they are checking out. Customers can then place a title on hold, or print or e-mail recommendations. With eye-catching displays of cover art and summaries, the Recommended Reads feature engages customers, helping to plan their next visit and keep them coming back to the library. 3M’s system for providing recommendations through the library catalog at SelfCheck is patent pending.
“Libraries will have an opportunity to connect more strongly to those patrons who may ordinarily do no more than come in the library, pick up a book, check out and leave,” said Duncan Smith, vice president of NoveList. “Now those ‘drive by’ readers will have a reason to plan their next visit to the library.”
The new QuickConnect Interface also gives libraries the opportunity and the tools to promote events, activities and services. The Patron Promos feature makes it easy to upload customized promotions and display them to customers at checkout, making an impression when you have their full attention.
“The SelfCheck kiosk is typically the last interaction the patron has with the library before leaving, so it’s important to us to take advantage of those moments and leave a lasting impression,” said Carolyn Anthony, director of the Skokie Public Library. “The new interface lets us promote more of our offerings, and tools like Recommended Reads help us deliver a high level of service to patrons and keep them coming back.”
The new look of the system is similar to familiar mobile and tablet interfaces, designed for patrons to be able to easily navigate to the features they need via a streamlined process. Additional ease-of-use upgrades include simple animations to guide users through the check-out process and enhanced assistance buttons available on every screen.
On the back end, the QuickConnect Interface offers robust new features with a completely redesigned system manager. Libraries are given flexible tools and the ability to meet their specific needs by choosing from dozens of configurable design templates and themes. Library staff can easily access reports and navigate the system to find the information they need. The system is also optimized for tablets, so library staff can access it from a variety of devices.
“3M SelfCheck systems have been helping libraries optimize circulation for more than 20 years,” said Skip Driessen, business manager, 3M Library Systems. “With the new SelfCheck QuickConnect, we’re continuing that innovation by giving libraries tools to increase circulation and patron engagement today, as well as an enhanced platform that will resonate with patrons and help meet the needs of their communities.”
The new SelfCheck QuickConnect will be showcased at the 3M Library Systems booth, number 1636, at the ALA Exhibition. The system will be available for sale in late 2013.
For more information, visit 3M.com/QuickConnect.
3M and SelfCheck are trademarks of 3M. Used under license in Canada. NoveList is a registered trademark of EBSCO Industries, Inc.
About 3M Library Systems
The global leader in library innovation for more than 40 years, 3M is committed to helping libraries connect with the diverse and rapidly evolving communities they serve. 3M’s eBook lending, security, and productivity solutions give librarians the flexibility to spend more time doing what they do best – helping people. Visit www.3M.com/us/library and follow us on Twitter (@3MLibrary) and Facebook.
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 about 88,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
Karwoski & Courage Public RelationsEmily Finley, 612-342-973or3M Public RelationsConnie Thompson, 651-733-8914
