Published on Brock University (http://brocku.ca)

Laptop Loan

Laptop computers are available for loan at the James A. Gibson Library's Circulation Desk. They may be borrowed for up to 4 hours by students, faculty and staff for use anywhere on campus. The laptops connect to the University's wireless network, and come equipped with standard software (including Microsoft Office) and support printing from the Library's public printers.

To check whether any laptops are available to borrow right now do a TITLE search in the Library Catalogue for laptop computer, or consult the new digital signage at both the east and south entrances for the up-to-date number of laptops currently available for check-out.

Laptop Computer Loan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can borrow a laptop?
All currently registered Brock University students, faculty and staff may borrow laptops, after completing a Laptop Computer Agreement form, and providing valid picture ID.

Where can I borrow a laptop?
Laptops may be borrowed from the Circulation Desk in the James A. Gibson Library. The first time you borrow a laptop, you will be required to fill out a Laptop Computer Agreement form, which will allow you to borrow laptops for the current academic year.

What is the loan period?
The loan period for laptops is 4 hours. The loan period may be extended, if there are additional units available for other users.

Can personal software and documents be saved on the laptop?
In order to provide a standard laptop environment for all users and to protect the user, we do not recommend saving personal documents to the hard drives or desktop. Upon system shut-down/restart all personal files will be removed. Therefore, we suggest that you e-mail yourself files you want to save, or save to a USB drive or external floppy drive. The latter piece of equipment can be borrowed from the Reserves Desk. A word of warning: most e-mail providers impose a limit on both in-box and attachment size, so you should ensure your e-mail is not bounced, or alternatively, e-mail it to your Brock account, as the space limitations are much higher. There is no way to recover your work once the laptop is shut down/restarted.

Can I access the Internet with the laptop?
The laptops are equipped with a wireless access card, and a network access card. In order to access the Internet, log on to Brock University's wireless network with your Brock account.

Where can I get information about connecting to the university's wireless network?
Information about connecting to the university's wireless network if available at http://www.brocku.ca/its/wireless.

What comes with the laptop
When a laptop is borrowed, a power cord, power supply, and carrying case are included.

What software and hardware is available on the laptop?

System Software:
Windows XP
Internet Explorer
Adobe Reader
QuickTime
RealPlayer Basic
Windows Media Player
Microsoft Office (2003) Word, Excel and Powerpoint
SAS

Hardware:
DVD/ROM player (read only)
Network card
Wireless network card

Can I print from the laptop?
If you are logged on to Brock University's wireless network, you may print to the Library's public printers.

What are the fines for late return of the laptop?
A fine of $10.00 per hour, or any portion thereof, will be assessed on all laptops returned late, due to their high cost and expected high demand.

Where do I return the laptop?
The laptop must be returned in-person to the Circulation Desk. You will be asked to wait for a few moments, to allow staff to verify that all the pieces are returned before the laptop is discharged from your record. Because laptops are expensive, and in an effort to protect the user, laptops should not be placed in return bins available for other library materials. Laptops are due back 30 minutes before the Library closes.

Where may I use the laptop?
The laptop may be used in the Library or may be taken out of the Library, as long as it is returned by the due time.

Can I renew a laptop?
Laptops may be renewed, if there are additional ones available for other users at the time of renewal. You must bring the laptop in-person to the Circulation Desk to request renewal.

Can I check if a laptop is available to borrow without coming to the Library?
To check whether any laptops are presently available for borrowing: Do a TITLE search in the Library Catalogue for laptop computer, or check the new digital signage available at the library east and south entrance for the current number of laptops available.

Can I book a laptop in advance?
Advance bookings/holds for laptops will not be accepted.

Are there power outlets available in the Library for using the laptop?
Yes, electrical outlets are available for use around the periphery of every floor. Extra outlets are available on the 9th and 10th floors. Individual study carrels near electrical outlets have been labeled as such. No outlets are available in the closed study carrels.

Are there fees for borrowing laptops?
There are no borrowing fees for laptops. However, if the units are returned late, a fee of $10.00 per hour, or any portion thereof, will be assessed.

Who is responsible for theft, damage or loss of the laptop?
You are financially responsible for the laptop and accessories while signed out in your name, as you agreed to when you signed the Library Laptop Computer Agreement form. Please consult our Laptop Computer Lending Policy for additional information.

What if I need help?
We expect you to be familiar with the hardware and software. Library staff may provide assistance with issues related to printing, library resources and some of the installed software. For problems with wireless access, and user email accounts, please contact User Services at ext. 4357 or in-person in room F314.

If you have additional questions about borrowing laptops, please refer to our Laptop Computer Lending Policy.

Main heading:

James A. Gibson Library

Source URL: http://brocku.ca/library/help-lib/faq/laptop-loans