The University of Leicester’s State-of-The-Art Library

The University of Leicester’s state-of-the-art David Wilson Library. was officially opened by, Her Majesty the Queen in December 2008.The Queen, escorted by the University’s Chancellor Sir Peter Williams, was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bob Burgess.

The £32 million David Wilson Library is the centrepiece of the University’s Development Plan and represents the biggest single investment in the University’s history. Completed in April 2008, it has won the 2008 RIBA East Midlands Award for Architecture and the 2008 Building of the Year Award at the Property and Construction awards, organised annually by ProCon Leicestershire.

This stunning library space, purpose-built for learning and research, is a development befitting the Times Higher Education’s University of the Year 2008/9. The 15,000 sq metre library includes:

· a range of study spaces for 1500 readers

· a million books supplemented by extensive digital databases and journals

· 350 PCs

· a 500 seat lecture theatre

· 3M SelfCheck System S3-Series book return Sortation Unit…

…all this, as well as bookshop and a cafe.

Commenting on the Library development, Professor Burgess said: “The new library is stunning – the light, the architectural design and the furniture are all excellent. Everyone I meet says how impressed they are with the library. It really does have a ‘wow factor’.”

Librarian and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Christine Fyfe added: “Of all the University buildings, the new library best expresses our values and aspirations. It is placed both physically and spiritually at the heart of the campus. The new glass façade is an expression of this openness, visibility and vibrancy.”

Paul Woolvine, Sales and Marketing Manager for 3M’s Track & Trace Division, which supplied the University with the 3M SelfCheck System S3-Series added: “We are very proud of our range of SelfCheck Systems which can, as with the Leicester University installation, become an integral part of a fantastically designed/functioning academic or indeed public library.”

About 3M SelfCheck System S3-Series

As a complete check-in and sorting system that is both affordable and reliable, the 3M SelfCheck System S3-Series helps libraries increase circulation and maintain a more accurate catalogue, while improving productivity and customer service.

With its real-time check-in feature, easy-to-use interface and return receipt, customers are sure each item is returned correctly. In addition, staff can quickly separate exceptions and send materials to the shelves – and customers can immediately check out high demand items.

The sorting system can consist of a minimal front end unit plus up to a maximum of 17 bins. The system notifies staff when bins are full and sends an instant e-mail if the circulation system goes offline or the printer is out of paper. Libraries can also monitor the number of processed items and schedule staff during peak periods, when the return rate is highest. More importantly, the SelfCheck S3-Series means librarians don’t have to check in and out books, DVDs, etc., allowing them to spend more time helping customers find the information they need.

Product features:

· Easy to use, real-time check-in

- Items are instantly checked in and removed from the customer’s record

- Speeds return of items to the stacks

- Customers and staff can easily learn how to use the system.

· Automatic Staff Hold Receipts

- Quickly separates exceptions.

· E-mail notifications

- Instant notification if the circulation system goes offline or the printer is out of paper.

· Easy-To-Use Interface

- Customers and staff can easily learn how to use the system.

· Statistics

- Monitor the return rate

- Schedule staff during peak periods.

· Customised sorting

- Set the sort matrix for the library

- Equally distribute items among bins

- Scalable 1 – 17 bin design

- System automatically stops sorting to full bins

- Expandable.

ENDS

Notes to editors

3M and SelfCheck are trade marks of 3M Company

3M – practical and ingenious solutions that help our customers succeed

3M is a $25.3 billion diversified technology company which, since 1902, has been creating innovative products that help make the world healthier, safer and more productive. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.

3M employs some 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. It produces thousands of innovative products for customers in dozens of diverse markets and its 45 technology platforms touch nearly every aspect of modern life – the company has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and in 2008 it launched the world’s first hand-held micro projector, the MPro110.

The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing more than 3,500 people across 16 locations, including 12 manufacturing sites.

Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, occupational health and environmental safety equipment, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.

www.3M.co.uk/library

This information is also available on The McOnie Agency website.

go to www.mconieagency.com,

1. Roll your mouse over to “press releases”, then drop down to 3M, across to Library Systems, and click.

2. Click “more” to bring up the whole press release.

For Additional Information (excluding photograph usage):

Contact Harriet Vocking

The McOnie Agency

Tel: 07974 940959

Email: harriet {at} mconieagency(.)com