Dakota, Washington and Ramsey County Libraries will unveil the 3M Cloud Library eBook Lending Service today, bringing more than one million Minnesota residents access to digital content, in-library hardware, and apps for borrowing and reading eBooks.

“As digital devices are becoming increasingly indispensable for patrons, we knew it was important to adopt an eBook system that would make it simple for them to find the content they want,” said Susan Nemitz, Director, Ramsey County Library. “3M’s system works with multiple devices and makes it easy for users at all levels of technology experience to get started.”

Patrons of the 25 library locations in Dakota, Washington and Ramsey counties will now be able to browse the 3M Cloud Library’s electronic catalog, check out eBooks, and read on the device of their choice. The system includes several components for browsing and reading:

• Mobile device compatibility: The 3M Cloud Library app is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play and the NOOK Apps Storefront, and the services eBooks are compatible with include PCs, iPads, iPhones, iPod Touch, NOOK Tablets, Android devices, smartphones and Kobo, Sony and NOOK eReaders. Using these devices, patrons can browse, check out and read eBooks all without leaving the 3M Cloud Library app. To begin reading, patrons simply download the app, enter their library card number and select the titles of their choice from their library’s catalog.
• 3M Discovery Terminals: Patrons at the library can browse the catalog on these electronic kiosks with an intuitive touch-based interface.

“We’re excited about the new collection we are adding through the 3M Cloud Library app,” said Ken Behringer, Director, Dakota County Library. “With this system’s intuitive interface eBooks are more easily accessible for our residents who use and appreciate this service.”

Washington County Library Director Pat Conley concurs, noting “3M’s service is remarkably user friendly. The app is easy to download and set up. It’s a win-win for libraries and their customers.”

Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., 3M launched its first Cloud Library eLending system in early 2012 with the Saint Paul Public Library, providing eBook access to more than 285,000 residents. With the new addition of these library locations, the total number of Minnesota residents with access to 3M’s Cloud Library system increases to more than 1.4 million.

“It's very rewarding to launch with these neighboring libraries, as a significant number of 3M employees live in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties,” said Tom Mercer, Marketing Manager, 3M Cloud Library. “There is a tremendous amount of excitement at 3M about the Cloud Library system and now even more 3M employees and neighbors can easily access the system from their local libraries.”

Dakota, Washington and Ramsey counties join 80 library systems across the country that now offer the 3M Cloud Library, including East Lansing, Mich.; Anne Arundel, Md.; Estes Valley, Colo.; Johnson County, Ind.; Liverpool, N.Y.; and East Albemarle Regional, N.C. With the 3M Cloud Library System, these libraries have access to a growing catalog of more than 225,000 titles from more than 300 publishers.

For more information about the 3M Cloud Library eLending system, visit 3M.com/Cloud.

3M is a trademark of 3M.
NOOK, NOOK Tablets and NOOK Apps are trademarks of BarnesandNoble.com LLC.
iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone and iTunes Store are trademarks of Apple, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc.
Kobo is a trademark of Shortcovers, Inc. Sony is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

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.