[Michlib-l] In library laptop lending

[Grimm, Erica]

Hi everyone,

My library branch is testing a model of having fewer fixed computer stations and adding laptops for in-branch use to help with demand surges and social distancing, which leads to the question of how to manage them so there's some chance they'll be returned or there's a record of who has what, especially if staff changes throughout the day? So, I'm looking for feedback from all of you with in-branch use laptops, what's your process for managing and securing them?  Do you have patrons fill out a user agreement?  Do you take their driver's license/ID as collateral? If the person doesn't have driver's license or ID, is there an alternative thing that you collect? Or do you require a library card and check it out like a regular library item but for a shorter time period, such as a few hours?  Also, do you allow minors, specifically unaccompanied minors, to use in-branch laptops?

A few things to note: we don't use RFID or other security tags on our library items, we do use CASSIE by Librarica for all our public computers, these laptops included. We've recently moved back into a renovated and expanded building, so there are more spaces that aren't in staff's direct line of sight.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Erica

Erica Grimm
Brooklyn Branch Manager
Jackson District Library
207 N Main St.
Brooklyn, MI  49230
O: 517-905-1362

Napoleon Branch Manager
Jackson District Library
6755 Brooklyn Rd.
Napoleon, MI  49261
517-536-4266

grimmel at myjdl.com<mailto:grimmel at myjdl.com>

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