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ACC Libraries Laptop Guidelines

Information Literacy (IL) laptops are purchased for delivery of library instruction by Faculty Librarians and to increase library access points by circulating laptops to ACC students and staff for in-library use only. When laptops are not being used for instruction by faculty librarians, they can be borrowed from the library Checkout Desk for a 3 hour loan period.

  • Laptops are available for checkout at all ACC Libraries.
  • The users will be provided with a copy of the Laptop Guidelines and must sign a Laptop Agreement the first time they check one out.
  • Users are responsible for loss, damage, and for self-support for technical and software issues with the laptops.
  • The circulating laptops operate via a wireless network; print to a designated printer on that network; and have restrictions on them similar to the desktop PCs in the Libraries
  • Users are unable to install their own programs on the laptops.

Checkout rules:

  • Laptops are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Laptops may not leave the library under any circumstances.
  • The individual who checks out the laptop will be held financially responsible for loss or damage to the laptop or accessories.
  • Laptops may not be used to engage in illegal activities or to disrupt others.


Borrowers:

Only ACC students, faculty, and staff with a current ACC photo ID and a clear library account may check out laptops. Only the individual who checked out the laptop may use it. Under no circumstances will an individual be allowed to check out a laptop for someone else.

Laptop Checkout Agreement:

Before checkout, all users must sign a laptop agreement that explains their responsibilities and repair or replacement costs.

Returning Guidelines

Laptops must be returned 30 minutes before the library closes to allow time to inspect the laptop at check-in. Users should allow fifteen minutes to complete check-in.

Replacement or damage charges:

Billing for non-returned or damaged laptops and accessories includes the full replacement cost ($1100 per laptop) or repair cost. Failure to abide by these guidelines or to return equipment on time and in good condition may result in loss of library borrowing privileges, placement of student records hold, and other actions by the College.

Software:

Software applications include a web browser and Office productivity software to help users complete assignments. Users are prohibited from adding software to the laptop. The attempt to or act of adding, deleting, or altering computer hardware, software, or settings is a violation of the Laptop Checkout Agreement and the Acceptable Use Guidelines.

Hardware:

Laptops have a built-in webcam. Headphones and external DVD players are available for checkout at the Library Checkout desk.

Printing / Saving Data:

The laptops work on a wireless network attached to network printers. Users may save data to their Google Drive or to the cloud. Any data saved to the hard drive will be cleared upon check-in.

Support:

Reference Librarians offer assistance with library resources, such as the library catalog and library web pages, online periodical indexes and full-text databases, online reference databases, and Internet searches. Reference librarians may be able to help users with Blackboard or email questions as well.

Library staff are not responsible for teaching users how to use the laptop or an application. If the user does not know how to use a laptop or an application, we encourage the user to postpone the transaction and to seek out the appropriate assistance from their instructor, learning lab, or computer center.

Borrowers are responsible for:

  • Understanding the mechanics of laptop hardware and software.
  • Completing, signing, and following the Laptop Checkout Agreement and following the Acceptable Use Guidelines.
    https://library.austincc.edu/gen-info/aup/acceptableuse.php
  • Remaining with the laptop at all times. Laptops should never be left unattended.
  • Inspecting the equipment at checkout
  • Removing their files and data before check-in.
  • Returning the equipment to a library staff member at the Checkout Desk (not left on desk) on time and in good condition
  • Inspecting the equipment at check-in (with the staff member).

Library Assistants are responsible for:

  • Checking for valid ACC photo IDs.
  • Checking that the user's library account is clear.
  • Seeing that the user reads and signs the Laptop Checkout Agreement.
  • Inspecting the equipment at checkout and check-in (with the user).
  • Charging laptops.
  • Locking up the laptop after use.