SelfCheck systems from 3M enable library customers to check out and return books and other items without requiring assistance from library staff. In the Central Library, SNU will deploy four SelfCheck systems from 3M for checking out items and four for returning them. For security, the library also will install a 3M detection system using Tattle-Tape security strips from 3M to help ensure that items are authorized to leave the premises. The university's seven branches will each receive a SelfCheck system from 3M for returns and a 3M detection system.

SNU has chosen barcode technology for its detection and SelfCheck systems.

"The university has said it selected 3M because of our long history of reliable product performance, our reputation for post-sales support, and the ease of use of our systems for both library staff and customers," says Rory Yanchek, business manager, 3M Library Systems. "They want to make their library as efficient and user-friendly as possible, and we are delighted to help them realize that goal."

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 3M Library Systems, visit www.3M.com/library.

3M provides comprehensive, practical and easy to use solutions for customers in diverse markets, including health care, safety and security, aerospace and government, oil and gas, process industries, supply chain, construction and utilities, libraries and legal. Utilizing RFID, GPS and RTLS technologies, our asset management, protection, and utilization solutions enable customers to reliably and accurately manage high-value assets. Unlike similar offerings, based on components rather than complete solutions, 3M Systems are designed with full implementation in mind, deploying the right solution, with the right technology, suited for the customer. For more information, go to www.3Mtrackandtrace.com.

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 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.

3M, SelfCheck and Tattle-Tape are trademarks of 3M.

SOURCE: 3M

3M Public Relations
Colleen Harris, 651-733-1566
cahornharris1@mmm.com
or
LVM Group Inc.
Bob Rumerman, 212-499-6567
bob@lvmgroup.com
or
Paul Marin, 212-499-6571
paul@lvmgroup.com

"We expect the annual number of items checked out to double, to about 1.2 million, in our new space, with only a small increase in staff with which to accommodate the expanded services," says Library Director Christopher Murray. "Our goal, therefore, is to achieve maximum accuracy and efficiency in automation, using RFID technology."

West Palm Beach, the seat of Palm Beach County and the oldest incorporated municipality in South Florida, is a city of approximately 103,000 residents, with an area population of more than a quarter-million. Its public library dates back to 1895, and has been in its current location since 1962.

The library will begin applying RFID tags to some 160,000 circulation items this fall. When the new space is occupied, 3M will install five RFID SelfCheck systems enabling customers to check out circulation items unassisted; an external kiosk for self-return, ten RFID staff workstations, a seven-destination RFID sorting system, and a four-aisle RFID security system, as well as two rented RFID conversion stations. The library currently uses barcode SelfCheck systems.

Murray says the library, in addition to expanded self-checkout and self-return service, will establish a "technology floor" with a 24-seat computer lab and 38 public access PCs, as well as dedicated "Teen Space" and a meeting area with new-media capability, digital audio/video labs, studios and a digital photo lab. A children's library will be housed on the third floor, while the top floor is devoted to the adult collection, with more public access computers and a 270-foot-long barrel-domed Grand Reading Room.

The library director says 3M Library Systems was chosen "because of the quality of their response to our Request for Proposal and the excellent references given by their current library installations."

According to Rory Yanchek, 3M Track and Trace Solutions general manager, the scenario facing the West Palm Beach Public Library is increasingly common throughout the country. "Public libraries are being asked to provide more services without a commensurate increase in funding, and they are turning to 3M RFID systems to help meet the challenge," says Yanchek.

Libraries using RFID technology are especially focused on the durability and reliability of the tags, according to Jacob Haas, marketing manager for 3M Library Systems. "3M RFID tags are designed to satisfy today's demanding library applications, and we warranty that they will last as long as the items to which they are affixed," says Hass.

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 3M Library Systems, visit http://www.3M.com/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 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.

SOURCE: 3M

3M Public Relations 
Colleen Horn Harris, 651-733-1566 
cahornharris1@mmm.com 
or 
LVM Group Inc. 
Bob Rumerman, 212-499-6567 
bob@lvmgroup.com 
or 
Paul Marin, 212-499-6571 
paul@lvmgroup.com

Tagging of some 50,000 circulation items has begun, and installation is expected to be completed by the end of November.

Cynthiana Library Director Pat Barnes says the RFID tags eventually may serve more than one purpose, enabling the library to automate such circulation management functions as checkout and return, sorting and inventory.

"Our immediate need was to improve security with respect to items lost," says Barnes. "However, we know that RFID also is used to enhance productivity in libraries, and we are examining that for the near term." A 3M SelfCheck System, which lets customers take out books and audio-visual items without a librarian's assistance, may be next on the library's RFID agenda, she adds.

Rory Yanchek, 3M Track and Trace Solutions general manager, says loss prevention is an increasingly critical concern for public libraries as budgets come under growing pressure in the face of expanding demand for services. "Libraries are recognizing that RFID helps make their circulating collections more secure, while also enabling greater productivity in serving the public, with tools such as SelfCheck Systems."

Libraries using RFID technology are especially focused on the durability and reliability of the tags, adds Jacob Haas, marketing manager for 3M Library Systems. "3M RFID tags are designed to satisfy today's demanding library applications, and 3M warranties that they will last as long as the items to which they are affixed," says Hass.

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, visit http://www.3M.com/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 $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.

SOURCE: 3M

3M Public Relations 
Colleen Horn Harris, 651-733-1566 
cahornharris1@mmm.com 
or 
LVM Group Inc. 
Bob Rumerman, 212-499-6567 
bob@lvmgroup.com 
or 
Paul Marin, 212-499-6571 
paul@lvmgroup.com