Circulation of Laptop Computers

The following policy applies to laptop computers owed and circulated by Dacus Library, Winthrop University.

Borrowing Policies:

• Laptops circulate to current Winthrop University students, faculty and staff ONLY.
• The borrower must present a current Winthrop photo I.D. card.
  • If the I.D. card is not a photo I.D., the borrower must present an additional form of identification with a photo.
• Each borrower must complete a Laptop Liability Form.  This form will detail the liability of the borrower.  A note will be added to the patron record, indicating the date this form was completed.

Circulating Procedures:

Checking Out:

• Laptops can be checked out at the Circulation Desk from 8:00 AM until 1 hour before the library closes.  Laptops must be returned to the Circulation Desk at least 30 minutes before the library closes.
• Laptops are to be used in the library only and may not be taken outside of the building.
• Laptops are circulated for a period of 3 hours. 
• Laptops are available on a first come, first serve basis.  They cannot be reserved in advance.
• Once a laptop is checked-out to a patron, it becomes the responsibility of that patron.

Checking In:

• The circulation staff will reboot the laptop to verify the computer is operating.  
• The circulation staff will do a visual check of the laptop ensuring that the following components are intact:
  • CD drive.
  • Battery

Fines and Liabilities

• Overdue fines are $5.00 per hour, with a 15 minute grace period.
• The borrower is responsible for all costs associated with any damage to the laptop during the check-out period.
• The borrower is responsible for replacement costs (not less than $500.00) if the laptop is lost or stolen during the check-out period.  In this case, the borrower would also be responsible for any accrued overdue charges and a $10.00 processing charge.
• All laptop borrowers will be required to sign the liability statement detailed on the Laptop Liability Form.

Laptop Descriptions

• Dacus Library has 20 wireless Pentium M laptops available for in-house checkout.
• The laptops run on the Windows XP operating system.
• All laptops are loaded with the following software:
  • Internet Explorer
  • Netscape
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft FrontPage
  • Microsoft Works
• Deep Freeze is loaded on each laptop.
• The laptops are linked to the card-operated printers in the library.
• If desired, work can be saved to the Z drive or CD drive.
• The following information is attached to each laptop:
  • Laptops may be used in the library only.
  • Laptops circulate for a 3 hour period.
  • The fine for an overdue laptop is $5.00 per hour (or fraction thereof greater than 15 minutes.)