Student Laptop Loan Pilot
VCU Libraries and VCU Technology Services are collaborating to provide laptop loans to students studying in the libraries. Use of the limited number of laptops during the pilot will be monitored to inform the planning and needs for an expanded laptop service. Your feedback is welcome. Please contact us to share your thoughts.
Policies:
- Use of laptops is IN-LIBRARY ONLY.
- Access to the internet is via wireless.
- Laptops may be borrowed once a day, for a 4 hour period, with one renewal.
- Power is via battery only in Cabell Library. Renewal will require a battery switch from the laptop service desk.
- Laptops may not be requested in advance; only one laptop may be checked out at a time.
- Laptops must be returned to the laptop service desk by 30 minutes prior to library closing.
- Overdue fines are $10 per hour (maximum $250) and use of library materials will be blocked with accumulated fines.
- Replacement costs may exceed $1,400.00, and your library and VCU Records & Registration accounts may be blocked until paid.
Help and User Awareness Information:
- Laptop service desks, for questions regarding loans, fines, and laptop availability:
- Laptop service desks provide basic computer problem support and troubleshooting. Library service desk staff may refer software and hardware problems to VCU Technology Services.
- Work must be saved and backed up to an external drive or Blackboard, as the hard drive of laptops will be wiped clean on reboot.
- Do not leave the laptop unattended at any time. Theft is a reality in the library as in any public environment.
Is There a Laptop Available?
Check links below to the VCU Libraries Catalog to see if a laptop is available. See the "Availability" column, or select the "request options and availability" link for details.
Cabell Libary laptops or Tompkins-McCaw Library laptops
Laptop Software and Hardware:
- LENOVO ThinkPad T61P with a 15.4" Monitor Display (1689x1050)
- Windows XP Pro
- 1.8 GHz Intel Core Duo, 2 Ghz RAM
- CD/DVD Drive supports: CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RAM I & II, DVD-RW
- USB2 and Firewire Mini
- Internal Wireless (instant VCU Libraries connectivity) and printing through VCU Pay-4-Print
- Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Intervideo WinDVD Creator, Sonic RecordNow
- Plugins and/or players for most files (including Word 2007, Adobe Acrobat, and Flash video)
- Standard MS Windows' assistive technology software including Accessibility Wizard, Magnifier, Narrator, Journal Viewer, On-Screen Keyboard, and Utility Manager
These laptops are part of the VCU's Computer Student Initiative Got to Go Mobile@VCU. Follow these links to learn more about G2GMobile computers available for purchase and laptop support.
What do you think?
We value your feedback and suggestions! Provide an assessment of your experience with this pilot service. Ask us questions. Recommend enhancements to the service.
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