The Des Moines Public Library has just signed an agreement with the 3M Cloud Library System. This new initiative allows Central Library patrons access to digital content, in-library hardware, and apps for borrowing and reading ebooks.
Things have been fairly quiet from 3M and its Cloud Service, which showcases innovative discovery terminals. You can think of them as touchscreen computers perched on pedestals that allow users to borrow books and browse their library’s selection of content. You can then send it to your Android device or e-reader and get reading immediately. Speaking of e-readers, one of the benefits of signing up with this service is that 3M provides libraries with a clone of the Pocketbook 612.
“We have seen the demand for ebooks increase dramatically in the past years, and we’re excited to introduce this system to library visitors,” said Dawn Work-MaKinne, supervising librarian at Des Moines Public Library. “Not only does it give us access to thousands of titles, but it is also simple to use – which is so important with any library technology.”
“We are proud that 3M Cloud Library provides a new reading experience for patrons of the Des Moines Public Library,” said Tom Mercer, 3M digital library marketing manager. “3M has a long history of helping libraries innovate to provide patrons with new technologies and a superior user experience, and we look forward to continuing to support the library community in Des Moines.”
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.
