Strategically placed kiosks help libraries recruit new customers, including those who may not have time or transportation to visit the library building on a regular basis, or those who don't realize how their local library has changed in terms of delivering information faster than ever through the use of electronic communications. According to Karen Eckman, marketing manager at 3M Library Systems, the e-Branch Library instantaneously puts a library's wealth of information into the hands of a growing, technologically savvy public. We expect more libraries to capitalize on e-Branch Library technology. It's a simple way to reach out to the community and grow access to library services. When utilized to its greatest potential, the e-Branch Library will ease the growing strain on library staff who must do more with fewer resources.
Libraries can extend their hours and services to underserved populations without adding staff time.
Only printouts and use of the fax feature will require a nominal fee. The e-Branch Library works within 3M's overall Materials Flow Management concept, which seeks to optimize the flow of materials out of, back into and within the library. The global leader in library security for nearly 30 years, 3M protects literally billions of individual items in thousands of libraries throughout the world. The company has operations in more than 60 countries and employs more than 70,000 people worldwide. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., 3M is a manufacturer of more than 50,000 products serving industrial, commercial and consumer markets.