Technology has been evolving rapidly; just think of how far the PC has come in the past decade. Over the last decade Librarians have kept pace with changing technologies and increased the relevancy of their libraries by becoming more connected and available. Yes, the advent of the internet has made information more readily accessible, but the skeptics who thought the library would go the way of the dinosaurs, were just way off the mark.

The
Annual American Library Association (ALA) Conference brings together librarians, educators, authors, publishers, and vendors to collaborate and learn how to meet the changing needs of their patrons. LEID Products will be showcasing the iLibrary System - booth #1256 - at the 2014 ALA Conference June 26 - July 1, 2014. LEID offers a compelling solution for community outreach and patron accessibility.

Last week LEID announced the release of
version 3.0 of its iLibrary Kiosk. The iLibrary kiosk is used in conjunction with LEID's
Electronic Modular Access Units to offer a complete self-service 'Express Library' solution.
LEID Products iLibrary System is a cost effective, secure, rugged, and tamper proof self-service library access system for libraries to make materials more accessible to all patrons. The system provides an innovative way for libraries to deliver services to rural areas and growing communities where a brick and mortar library is not feasible. In addition, many urban libraries are using the system for patrons to access reserved materials after hours. LEID's iLibrary Kiosk and secure electronic lockers can be located outside under cover, making the self-service library available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

With LEID's iLibrary System, library patrons browse materials online or directly through the iLibrary Kiosk. Orders are placed through the kiosk or remotely via the internet using their library card number. The patron will receive an email with an access code when their materials are available. New enhancements to the iLibrary Kiosk include, NEMA4x rated enclosure, touch screen monitor, SunBright display, and solid state heat/cool device.

"Today people have come to expect convenience. We have found that when a library installs one or two of these systems, they end up adding more locations," commented Sam Hoff, president of LEID Products. "Our library customers have told us that their patrons love the ease of browsing for library materials on the library website or at the iLibrary Kiosk, and then having the reserved materials delivered to a convenient location, rather than taking time out of their busy day to go to the library."
The primary key to the success of an 'Express Library' utilizing LEID's iLibrary System has been placement. Public libraries implementing this program have researched and evaluated where to locate these systems based on community gathering places. Whether that is a community center, an ice rink, or a shopping plaza depends on the community. The location selected is convenient for the residents to pick up their library materials where they are already going.