"3M Reveals Its Plans for a Library-Specific Device"

From a Good Reads Article by Mercy Pilkington:

There’s been a lot of talk this week about 3M’s as-of-yet unveiled e-ink e-reader device, one that is intended for a highly specific market. Today, 3M’s Digital Business Development Leader Tom Mercer spoke to GoodEReader.com  about 3M’s plans for their device, for the Discovery Terminal, and their cloud-based ebook lending system.

Mercer was very adamant that the device that was available for viewing at the recent ALA conference in New Orleans, as well as what was featured in some photographs distributed at the event, was not, in fact, the actual 3M e-reader, mostly because that device doesn’t exist yet.

“The device we brought to ALA was an unfinished prototype so we could demonstrate the various aspects of our cloud-based service. Right now, we’re working very closely with a number of vendors to create the final finished device we want,” explained Mercer. “Of course, we have a long-standing partnership with Txtr, and they are helping us develop the software, the interfaces, some backend components, and such, but not the device as a whole.”

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“The 3M e-reader is really intended to be merely an accessory to work with the cloud service. When you’re at home, you can download our app for your PC or laptop and read content.

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“We’re expecting to begin engaging our beta accounts at the end of July, followed by installation of the Discovery Terminals and delivery of e-readers, initiate the training programs by late August, and finally have our go-live events in September. Starting next year we’re going to be opening up for everyone, installing as fast as we can,” adds Mercer.

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Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Companies (Publishers/Vendors), Libraries, Publishing