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
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
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’.
Auburn Hills, MI-based LEID Products, LLC will be displaying their new self-service ‘Library Express’ System June 24-27, 2011 in New Orleans at the American Libraries Association’s (ALA) Annual Conference and Exhibit, Booth #416. This is the world’s largest event for the library community attended by more than 25,000 librarians, library supporters, educators, writers, publishers, Friends of Libraries, trustees and special guests. LEID Products offers 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 a feasible option.
Contact: Georgia H. Whalen FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(978)697-2664 June 16, 2011
Detroit, MI — Auburn Hills, MI-based LEID Products, LLC will be displaying their new self-service ‘Library Express’ System June 24-27, 2011 in New Orleans at the American Libraries Association’s (ALA) Annual Conference and Exhibit, Booth #416. This is the world’s largest event for the library community attended by more than 25,000 librarians, library supporters, educators, writers, publishers, Friends of Libraries, trustees and special guests.
The conference includes more than 2,300 meetings, discussion groups and programs on various topics affecting libraries and librarians. In recent years, public libraries have struggled with budget cuts at the same time the demand for services has increased due to cost conscious families focused on saving money while still trying to keep family members enriched and entertained. Making library materials more accessible to all patrons continues to be a top priority.
LEID Products offers 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’s standalone self service branch is an economical flexible solution to increase library visibility and provide expanded access to services.
With this self-service solution, library patrons order materials online or through LEID Products high-tech self-service computer kiosk called the ‘iLibrary‟, then pick up reserved library materials 24/7 through LEID‟s electronic locker system. Patrons use their library card number to reserve materials, and receive an email with access code when their materials are available for pick up. Returns can be made to a convenient book drop.
In response to our pilot program in Minnesota, Washington County Library Director, Patricia Conley said, “We are delighted with the system, it is most appropriate for active suburban commuter communities. We see people stopping by the Library Express to pick up their books right along with the rest of their daily errands. It’s a fast process and will only take a few minutes to pick up and return the items they have put on hold.”
Patron feedback from the same pilot program in Carver County, Minnesota has been very positive according to Carver County Library Director, Melissa Brechon. Direct quotes from a patron survey have included: “Great Service! We love it!”; “One of the best uses of my tax dollars. Excellent service!”; and “Love it - Very easy to use!”
Representatives from LEID Products will be available in Booth #416 during exhibit hours for demonstrations and additional information.
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.
Detroit, MI - In early March, Auburn Hills, MI-based LEID Products, LLC installed an expansion to the Carver County (Minn.) Library and Washington County (Minn.) Library’s pilot program called the “Library Express”. The Library Express 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.
Library patrons order materials on line or through LEID Products high-tech self-service computer kiosk called the ‘iLibrary’, then pick up reserved library materials 24/7
Cologne Express Library
through the LEID’s electronic locker system. Patrons use their library card number to reserve materials to be picked up at the Library Express location. The patron receives an email with access code when their materials are available for pick up. Returns can be made to a convenient book drop.
Carver County Library and Washington County Library cooperated to apply for a Federal Grant to fund the project. Carver County added a second Library Express location at the Cologne Community Center. Operating since early March, Cynthia Lowe, Circulation Supervisor, commented on patron feedback, “All the comments have been positive. People love it.” Carver County’s first Library Express location is inside the Victoria Recreation Center, an ice hockey arena.
According to Melissa Brechon, Director of Carver County Library, “We want the Cologne and Victoria Express Library to be a useful, convenient and easy experience for patrons; one they will want to use many times over. Judging by the demand, repeat users and positive patron feedback, the goal of the program to increase library visibility and access has been exceeded.” In Victoria to date, more than 2,500 items have been delivered to the “Library Express” electronic lockers, an average of 22 library items each day, and on occasion demand exceeds system capacity.
Washington County Library doubled the electronic lockers available at the Hugo City Hall location to 40 for their Library Express pick-up. The original system had 20 lockers which proved to be not enough capacity for the high demand in this growing community.
Washington County Library Director, Patricia Conley said, “We are delighted with the system, it is most appropriate for active suburban commuter communities. We see people stopping by the Library
iLibrary Kiosk
Express to pick up their books right along with the rest of their daily errands. It’s a fast process and will only take a few minutes to pick up and return the items they have put on hold.”
The new concept of self-service library locations with a library kiosk and electronic lockers was highlighted last fall in a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article. LEID Products iLibrary Kiosk and the Carver County and Washington County Libraries were featured in The November/December issue of the American Libraries Association Magazine in their Solutions and Services section; “Kiosk-Convenience” case study written by Katie Bane. With public libraries facing budget cuts at the same time the demand for services is increasing due to cost conscious families focused on saving money while still trying to keep family members enriched and entertained. Making library materials more accessible to all patrons has become a top priority for public libraries.
LEID Products Electronic Locker System outside Hugo City Hall
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
Cologne Express Library - Click on Picture for Guide
Check out the New Guide to the Cologne Express Library Services. Carver County Library and the City of Cologne utilized LEID Products Electronic Lockers with Keypad access to offer this new convenient service, a welcome asset to the community!
Library patrons order materials on line or through LEID Products high-tech self-service computer kiosk called the ‘iLibrary’, then pick up reserved library materials 24/7 through the LEID’s electronic locker system. Patrons use their library card number to reserve materials to be picked up at the Library Express location. The patron receives an email with access code when their materials are available for pick up.
The new guide gives a great overview of how the system works, click on the picture to access the PDF.
Our team here at LEID Products was initially excited to see that the Wall Street Journal did an article that featured our iLibrary Kiosk and electronic book lockers used for the Victoria Station and Hugo Library Express systems in Minnesota. The article uses a photo of our product installed at the Hugo, MN facility and mentions our installation in its second paragraph.
However, we were very disappointed to see that not only was our company not mentioned in the article, but that the article directly mentions our competitors. We contacted the WSJ reporter who had no interest in correcting this omission. We were very disappointed in the Wall Street Journal. Not only did this reporter serve to discredit the successful work of the dedicated employees of LEID, but confuse the very market base we sell to.
LEID Products is very pleased to share this rebuttal article from a local paper in Minnesota that criticizes the Wall Street Journal for publishing an article that highlighted a successful installation of our iLibrary kiosk and electronic lockers - but called out “only” our competitor in the article. When our customer learned that the WSJ told us they had no interest in correcting this omission, our customer had this article published in their local paper instead. What a GREAT customer we have in the Victoria Library!
Click on the blue link below to see The Washington County Library Express and LEID Products Featured in a Television Story.
LEID Products iLibrary Kiosk
A story on the Washington County Library Express reported by Joe Cullen was recently aired on Minnesota’s Government Television Network, Channel 16. LEID Products new iLibrary Kiosk and Electronic Lockers (EMAU’s) are used to offer the “Library Express” and were featured in the story. Check out the link above to view the story.
The FBI Exhibition comes to Boston and LEID Products is proud to be participating with our New England Partner SYSTEMATICS.
This year’s Law Enforcement Exhibition is sure to please all attendees and provide an outstanding opportunity to experience up-close-and-personal hundreds of products and services valuable to law enforcement. LEID Products will be there demonstrating our Biometric Access Control System complete with our Wall Mount ID Station Kiosk, Electronic Access Lockers and Gun Rack. See our system in action and how it can provide full accountability and security for your departments critical assets!
The Exhibition is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday (July 24th and 25th) in the Hynes Convention Center, Hall C in the heart of Boston. Law enforcement officers from the Boston area not attending the conference may obtain a Law Enforcement Day Pass to tour the exposition Saturday or Sunday. Department-issued photo ID required.
Dates:
Saturday July 24, 2010 - 10:00am to 5:00pm EXHIBIT FLOOR OPEN
Sunday July 25, 2010 - 9:00am to 2:00pm EXHIBIT FLOOR OPEN
Detroit, MI — Auburn Hills, MI-based 
Library patrons order materials on line or through LEID Products high-tech self-service computer kiosk called the ‘iLibrary’, then pick up reserved library materials 24/7
The FBI Exhibition comes to Boston and LEID Products is proud to be participating with our New England Partner SYSTEMATICS.