After years of preparation and anticipation, 3M Library Systems (3M) announced today the London Book Fair that it will expand its Cloud Library Digital Lending System to libraries in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
Already in over 1000 libraries in the U.S. and Canada, users abroad will soon be able to use 3M to borrow library e-books on their smartphones and tablets, via the dedicated 3M Cloud Library apps; via their PCs or Macs; or they can side-load on to their Nook, Sony or Kobo dedicated e-readers. Borrowers will also be able to browse a library's digital collection in physical library spaces, through 3M’s “Discovery Stations,” interactive touch-screens set up for browsing and checking out e-books or audiobooks.
3M officials say the expansion will provide a long-awaited boost to public libraries, bringing more options to the table for libraries to the meet growing demand for digital content. In a release, Matt Tempelis, Global Business Leader at 3M Library Systems, said the company has “seen tremendous growth,” in its Cloud Library system, and that its expansion into new territories would help “to encourage borrowers to make greater use of libraries.”
For more on the London Book Fair, check out the PW London Show Daily.
