Minnesota’s Washington and Carver County Libraries Win State Award for Library Express System Developed by LEID Products
Auburn Hills, MI-based LEID Products, LLC announce Washington and Carver County Libraries in Minnesota were presented with a state award last week for their ‘Express Library’ developed by LEID Products. The Express Library was launched in July 2010 as a pilot program to bring services to communities such as Hugo and Victoria, which do not have a full service library. The first of its kind in Minnesota, the Library Express is an innovative and cost-effective way to expand access to library services.
iLibrary Kiosk
Carver County Library Director, Melissa Brechon, and Washington County Library Director, Patricia Conley, spearheaded the pilot program and accepted the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Achievement Award for the Library Express model at the 2011 AMC Annual Conference in downtown Minneapolis, December 5th.
“Winning this award is very gratifying; there has been skepticism among some library directors as to the value of this type of service. This award validates there is great application for these systems to meet the needs of the community,” said Patricia Conley. “The key to our success has been placement, just as in any marketing project, we 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. You make it convenient for the residents of that community to pick up their library materials where they are already going. Our patrons love the ease of browsing for library materials on our website or at the Express Library kiosk and then we deliver to them, rather than them coming to us.”
The iLibrary Express kiosk, developed by LEID, was installed inside Hugo City Hall 18 months ago to provide that city access to Washington County library materials. Materials can also be requested from any other computer with Internet access. Materials are delivered to LEID’s secure electronic lockers outside Hugo City Hall, making them available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Library customers are notified by e-mail, and can use their library card number to retrieve materials at their convenience. Returns can be made to a book return in the same location.
LEID’s Library Express system was also installed in the Victoria recreation center in Carver County. Both counties used a federal Institutes of Museum and Library Services grant of $140,000 to purchase the equipment.
LEID’s Electronic Lockers for Express Library pick-up available 24/7 outside Hugo City Hall in Minnesota.
Because of the high rate of use, the locker system in Washington County was doubled from 20 to 40 lockers this past January. LEID’s iLibrary kiosk system will be installed this month in two additional new locations, Marine on St. Croix and Newport.
The initial concept for using self-service library kiosks originated in 2004 when metro-area libraries joined other library systems in greater Minnesota in seeking federal funds for a pilot project. The original quest for funds was never realized, but the needs of underserved residents remained. The libraries across the state, as with libraries across the nation, continue to be faced with flat budgets, increased demands for services, and constricted open hours while the cost for construction and personnel continues to escalate.
Washington County and Carver County Libraries persisted in their quest to fill the void of library access for these underserved residents, making it an important goal in long-range planning for both their library systems. In 2009, Washington and Carver County partnered in applying for a federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant. Their persistence was rewarded with a LSTA grant of $140,000 to purchase the equipment. By joining together, the two county library systems were able to test different venues by providing access to library services through the self-contained systems that allow library customers access to materials through LEID’s self-service lockers and iLibrary kiosk.
The self-service Express Library allows public libraries to provide library access where demand is insufficient to support a traditional library. Their success demonstrates that there is interest in replicating these projects throughout Minnesota and throughout the country. As reported in the Minnesota newspaper, Stillwater Gazette; the Express Library solution is an innovative and affordable stepping stone between no physical library in a community and building a traditional “bricks and mortar” library branch.
About LEID Products
Law Enforcement Intelligent Devices (LEID), LLC was originally founded to assist police departments in securing their assets (guns, weapons and radios) through an electronic tracking and fingerprinting system. LEID’s products since have been utilized to track many other type of assets such as; books, tapes and magazines within a library system; medical supplies, laptops and even the securing of business documents to selected personnel. For more information and to see on-line demonstrations of our products, log on to www.leidproducts.com.
LEID Products to Exhibit Biometric Asset Management System at The Special Operations Medical Association (SOMA) Conference, December 10 - 12
Auburn Hills, MI-based LEID Products, LLC, will be exhibiting their Biometric Access Control System (BACSTM), an innovative asset management system, at the Special Operations Medical Associations (SOMA) Conference at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, December 10 - 12, 2011. The BACSTM system is a proven solution installed in military facilities and earning exceptional reviews for the secure storage and tracking items ranging from pelican cases containing controlled medications, to highly sensitive valuable equipment, to weapons. Visit LEID Products at booth 619 for a demonstration.
“This is our first time participating in the SOMA Conference,” said Sam Hoff, president of LEID Products. “We believe this was an important venue to be a part of based on our growth in sales, specifically in medical applications, to the US Military Special Operation Forces (SOF) facilities. Supply discipline and inventory control, particularly of controlled meds, is paramount for Special Operation Forces. LEID Products technology meets the high standards demanded for error free management.”
LEID Products BACS System
BACS - with technology developed by Patti Engineering (www.pattieng.com) - secures, tracks (via RFID) and provides full accountability for items stored. Items are marked with an RFID chip linked to the BACS kiosk. The user logs into the BACS application to access items by placing their finger on the biometric reader for verification. Then the user selects the authorized items listed on the touch screen which is then retrieved from a secure electronic locker. The software includes administrative tracking reports providing a fully accountable audit trail.
LEID’s Access.it® card and keypad access systems are available in addition to the BACS biometric system, providing various levels of security. LEID’s systems are installed throughout the country; used to streamline operations at law enforcement departments, military facilities, medical facilities, and crime and research labs by securing, tracking and providing full accountability to clients’ weapons, evidence, medications, and other critical assets.
The gathering of SOMA members is directed toward the education and training of the Special Forces/Special Operations Forces Medic. This forum is for military and civilian medical personnel from around the world to meet and exchange ideas. The conference is open to all-military services, civilian tactical services and the public.
About LEID Products
Law Enforcement Intelligent Devices (LEID), LLC was originally founded to assist police departments in securing their assets (guns, weapons and radios) through an electronic tracking and fingerprinting system. LEID’s products since have been utilized by military facilities, medical facilities, government agencies, libraries and businesses to secure and track a wide variety of items including evidence; controlled meds; vital research and development materials; books, tapes and magazines within a library system; and even the securing of business documents to selected personnel. For more information and to see on-line demonstrations of our products, log on to www.leidproducts.com
Auburn Hills, MI-based LEID Products, LLC has secured another federal order and will be installing its Biometric Access Control SystemTM (BACS) and electronic locker system at Hurlburt Field Air Force Basein Florida. Hurlburt Field joins other federal agencies including Southern Command, Pope Air Force Base and the National Institute of Health, all using LEID Products Systems in different applications.
BACS - developed by Patti Engineering (www.pattieng.com) - secures, tracks (via RFID) and provides full accountability for valuable or sensitive items such as weapons, evidence, controlled medications, and various other critical assets. Items are marked with an RFID chip linked to the BACS kiosk. The user logs into the BACS application to access items by placing their finger on the biometric reader for verification. Then the user selects the authorized items listed on the touch screen which is then retrieved from a secure electronic locker. The software includes administrative tracking reports providing a fully accountable audit trail.
“Our systems offer the highest level of security and accountability available today,” said Sam Hoff, president of LEID Products. “While our roots started in Law Enforcement Departments, our growth into the military and federal agency markets is no surprise and a natural fit for our core strengths of providing the ultimate solution for supply discipline and inventory control.”
Card and keypad access systems are available in addition to the BACS biometric system, providing various levels of security. LEID’s systems are installed throughout the country; used to streamline operations at law enforcement departments, military facilities, medical facilities, and crime and research labs by securing, tracking and providing full accountability to clients’ weapons, evidence, medications, and other critical assets.
About LEID Products
Law Enforcement Intelligent Devices (LEID), LLC was originally founded to assist police departments in securing their assets (guns, weapons and radios) through an electronic tracking and fingerprinting system. LEID’s products since have been utilized by military facilities, medical facilities, government agencies, libraries and businesses to secure and track a wide variety of items including evidence; controlled meds; vital research and development materials; books, tapes and magazines within a library system; and even the securing of business documents to selected personnel. For more information and to see on-line demonstrations of our products, log on to www.leidproducts.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Georgia H. Whalen (978)697-2664
Detroit, MI — Auburn Hills, MI-based LEID Products, LLC, a cutting edge technology company offering electronic storage solutions with asset tracking and management software, will be introducing their new state-of-the-art Biometric Access Control System (BACSTM ) Evidence Storage Lockers at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in Chicago, IL, at McCormick Place West, October 23 - 25, 2011. LEID Products systems are used to streamline operations at law enforcement departments, military facilities, medical facilities, and crime and research labs by securing, tracking and providing full accountability to clients’ weapons, evidence, medications, and other critical assets. Visit LEID Products at booth #2437.
“The IACP Exposition is the perfect venue for displaying our new technology, attendees are always looking for ways to improve their operations” says Sam Hoff, president of LEID Products, “we offer the most advanced systems available today, our new BACSTM Evidence Storage Lockers fills the critical need for better standards for securing and tracking evidence filling in gaps in ‘Chain of Custody’ reporting which is so vital to the allowable use of evidence in the court room.”
LEID’s electronic locker, cabinet and gun rack storage systems offer identity protected access via biometric finger print (BACSTM Systems), or LCD-keypad with card swipe (Access.it® Systems). LEID’s systems all offer the option to add RFID or barcode readers to further enhance secure and accurate tracking and accountability of stored items. Web-enabled remote management allows for flexible management of the system; the administrator can access and manage the system from his laptop or computer at home or any location offering internet access. In addition to the BACS Evidence Storage Lockers, also on display will be LEID’s electronic lockers and gun rack.
According to Hoff, “LEID Products customer base has grown from its’ roots in law enforcement to include other sectors that will be attending the IACP Show, including military and federal government agencies. The BACSTM systems have been specified and received glowing reviews because of increased accountability and ease and depth of reporting.”
The IACP has been instrumental in forwarding breakthrough technologies and philosophies from the early years of their establishment to now. From spearheading national use of fingerprint identification to partnering in a consortium on community policing to gathering top experts in criminal justice. The Annual IACP Conference & Exposition is open to members, sworn officers, first responders, and civilian employees of public safety and government agencies and the armed forces.
About LEID Products
Law Enforcement Intelligent Devices (LEID), LLC was originally founded to assist police departments in securing their assets (guns, weapons and radios) through an electronic tracking and fingerprinting system. LEID’s products since have been utilized by military facilities, medical facilities, government agencies, libraries and businesses to secure and track a wide variety of items including evidence; controlled meds; vital research and development materials; books, tapes and magazines within a library system; and even the securing of business documents to selected personnel. For more information and to see on-line demonstrations of our products, log on to www.leidproducts.com
LEID has secured new military orders! US Military uses LEID Products to Secure Pelican cases containing controlled medications needed on the battlefield. Supply discipline and inventory control of pharmacy supplies, particularly controlled meds, is paramount for the all branches of the military.
LEID Products technology meets the high standards demanded by the military for error free management of controlled substances. LEID’s ‘BACS’ Biometric Access Control System uses fingerprint identification to authenticate access of controlled medications secured in LEID’s electronic lockers. The ‘BACS’ System secures, tracks, and provides full accountability; ensuring the safeguard of military issued controlled substances.
Southeast Michigan Startup, a website devoted to aggressive and innovative companies in the Metro Detroit-Ann Arbor region, has published an article on LEID Products titled ‘LEID Products turns Pre-Seed Capital Fund investment into jobs’ Written by Jon Zemke. In this excerpt from the article President of LEID Products, Sam Hoff briefly describes our law enforcement application and also notes how the pre-seed funding will be used to grow our business:
The Auburn Hills-based company manufactures electronic locker and information management systems for every industry from military to medical to law enforcement facilities. “It eliminates the old paper-and-pen method,” says Sam Hoff, president of LEID Products. “It frees up department personnel to do more police work and less administrative work.”
“We’re going to be bringing some more sales and marketing resources in, starting with one new sales rep,” Hoff says.
Farmington Hills Police Department in Michigan uses LEID Products 'BACS' secure amory storage system with fingerprint identification for access and tracking software for full accountability.
Article Excerpt on LEID Products customer: Carver County earns national honor for their express library. See link at the end of the excerpt to read the entire Chaska Herald article.
The National Association of Counties (NACo), a national organization representing county governments across America, has awarded two Carver County programs with its 2011 Achievement Award.
Carver County’s “Victoria Express Library” and the Oak Grove City Center, a joint project with the City of Norwood Young America and the Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA), each earned recognition as effective and creative programs that demonstrate Carver County’s work to provide quality and efficient government, according to a Carver County press release.
NACo recognized the “Victoria Express Library” as an innovative pilot project that extends useful and cost-effective library services to the residents of Carver County. This project, the first of its kind in Minnesota, was funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in cooperation with State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education, and was awarded to Carver and Washington County Libraries in 2009. The “Victoria Express Library” is located within the City of Victoria Recreation Center and provides citizens the ability to pick up and return library materials they have reserved using the library website: www.carverlib.org. Over 115 citizens utilized this express service between July and December 2010, prompting the Library to install a second “Express Library” location within the City of Cologne’s City Hall.
“Our communities are seeing substantial growth and we need to find solutions to meeting the demands of such growth. The Victoria Express Library provides increased access to services in a cost efficient manner and has been a tremendous success,” stated Carver County Board Chair Randy Maluchnik.
LEID Products Awarded $250,000 from Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund
Detroit, MI — Auburn Hills, MI-based LEID Products, LLC, a cutting edge technology company offering electronic storage solutions with asset tracking and management software, announced today that in June the company was awarded $250,000 from the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund.
Matched by $125,000 in private funds, LEID Products has gained a total of $375,000 in funding to be used to accelerate sales growth.
LEID Products manufactures electronic locker, cabinet and gun rack storage with biometric asset protection and control. LEID’s proven Biometric Access Control Systems (BACSTM), streamlines operations at military facilities, medical facilities, crime and research labs, law enforcement departments, universities/colleges, libraries, and large corporations by securing, tracking and providing full accountability to clients’ critical assets, evidence, medications, and weapons.
”The Pre-Seed funding will be instrumental to accelerate LEID Products market penetration of our proven cutting edge storage and tracking technology,” said Sam Hoff, LEID Products President. “The funding will allow us to invest in vital sales and marketing resources to take our company to the next level in sales growth. ”
Law Enforcement Intelligent Devices (LEID), LLC was originally founded to assist police departments in securing their assets (guns, weapons, and other valuable equipment) through an electronic RFID tracking and biometric fingerprinting system. LEID’s products since have been utilized to track evidence, medications, software development materials many other type of business assets. Clients include police departments, military facilities, federal agencies, hospitals and major software corporations.
LEID Products has also expanded into the Library market; offering a brand new cost effective solution to help libraries expand their services to growing communities where building a new brick and mortar branch is not the best solution. LEID offers a standalone self-service library branch as an economical flexible solution to increase library visibility and provide expanded access to services.
The Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund supports high-tech, young companies by providing access to early-stage capital investment or micro loans to accelerate company development, bringing innovative technologies to the marketplace more quickly. The Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, supported by a consortium of Michigan SmartZones and administered by the Ann Arbor SPARK Business Accelerator.
Skip Simms, Senior Vice President of Ann Arbor SPARK, and manager of the Michigan Pre-Seed Fund, commented on LEID Products plans for funding, “Providing capital for start-ups as they near commercialization is what the program is about. Using this investment for building a sales team is an ideal use of funds.”
Amsterdam PD uses LEID’s Electronic Cabinet for easy streamlined distribution and tracking of shared department assets including Tasers, Tint Meters, Alco-Sensor, and OC spray.
Amsterdam Police Sgt. Kurt Conroy, right, looks on as Officer Gregory Hafensteiner fingerprint is scanned into LEID's Biometric Access Control System Kiosk
About LEID Products
Law Enforcement Intelligent Devices (LEID), LLC was originally founded to assist police departments in securing their assets (guns, weapons and radios) through an electronic tracking and fingerprinting system. LEID’s products since have been utilized to track many other type of business assets such as radios at amusement parks; books, tapes and magazines within a library system; and even the securing of business documents to selected personnel. For more information and to see on-line demonstrations of our products, log on to www.leidproducts.com
What a great show this is for the Library industry! If you are in New Orleans for the ALA Annual Conference and Exhibit, please visit John or Georgia at our booth #416 for a demonstration of our Self-Service Library Express System. Our iLibrary Kiosk and Access.it Electronic Locker System has been a huge success!
Jacksonville Public Library has been add to our growing list of happy LEID Products customers. Jacksonville is using our Access.it Electronic Lockers to offer their new ’Oceanway Express”, a self-service library express branch patrons can access 24/7!
Visit us at the American Libraries Association’s (ALA) Annual Conference and Exhibit, Booth #416 to see a demonstration of our new self-service ‘Library Express’.
