Bibliotheca swallowed up the 3M Cloud Library in 2015 and the two sides have been making a serious play to be the second largest player in the digital library sector. The American Library Association midwinter conference is starting tomorrow in Atlanta and Bibliotheca is unveiling a bunch of new services, including a new web-reader.
selfCheck 500, mid-range kiosk
The new selfCheck 500 offers all the essentials of self-service in an attractive, modern design. Available in both a kiosk and desktop version, the new selfCheck 500 combines quality engineering with the quickConnect interface. This allows libraries to offer an engaging self-service experience without all the extras of the premium kiosks.
New Tattle-Tape selfCheck and security gates
Continuing to set the benchmark for electromagnetic (EM) technology in libraries, the new Tattle-Tape security gate and hybrid selfCheck 1000 are the next generation of EM products. Along with improved design and performance for both products, the Tattle-Tape gates offer the ability to customize display panels. The hybrid selfCheck brings forward the trusted “V” design but now offers new options of return bins and the large, portrait screen and more.
flex AMH
Providing AMH solutions for almost 15 years, bibliotheca is excited to announce the new flex AMH. This product has been redesigned from the ground-up offering a new front-end, a bulk separator that allows patrons to return multiple items at once, and improved sorting speeds. Additionally, libraries that need to move items across multiple floors or buildings can now benefit from a new transportation system that will help get items back on the shelf.
CloudLibrary added features to connect with digital users
- Events management – Libraries can drive engagement and bring digital users into the library by displaying their events calendar inside the cloudLibrary Now integrated with several common calendar software products, libraries can reach their digitial users directly on their personal device.
- Embedded library barcodes – This feature turns a mobile device into a virtual library card by having the library user’s barcode embedded in their cloudLibrary app. Perfect for busy students or parents, who might not remember their library card, but almost always have their phone.
- New Web Reader – Now anyone with a web browser can access their cloudLibrary account through the com web page. Browse, borrow and read or listen from any device. Libraries can extend digital reading services to groups that might not have devices, such as in-library reading groups, school reading or other community outreach programs.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
