[Michlib-l] In library laptop lending

[Jameson, Dennis]

Erica-

While we aren't currently offering in-branch laptop use for the public we used to for the last several years prior to the pandemic hitting in March 2020. We will probably start lending them again sometime in the future. At our main library (and one of our branch libraries after the main library closed for HVAC work between May 2019 and March 2020), we used to offer 3 laptops to the public for in-house checkout so that they could use it for internet, Microsoft Office, and Skype/Zoom. The laptops were added to our catalog (SirsiDynix Horizon [SaaS hosted]), and were checked out on a patron's library card for what was originally a two hour period the first couple of years we offered the service but was increased to a four hour period the last year or two. Laptops had to remain in the building, and were only allowed to be checked out by Adult full-service cardholders (18+, no children since they aren't legally able to sign a binding contract).

The first time a laptop was checked out by a patron, that patron had to sign a waiver form asserting their rights and responsibilities regarding checking out the laptop and explaining any late fees, fines, and replacement costs if the laptop were damaged. After this was initially signed, a note would be added to the patron's record in Horizon and the form would be scanned and filed electronically so the patron wouldn't need to do the form every time they checked a laptop out. I believe we also held onto the patron's driver's license/state ID (or other name/picture ID like a passport) while they had the laptop checked out to remind them to return the equipment and retrieve their ID when they were done.

Regarding social distancing and fixed computers, when we reopened to the public this spring we would turn off/unplug every other PC or so in our public computer areas and mark them as Out Of Service in our time management software (Comprise's SAM). We also put out of order signs and temporarily removed the chairs for those PCs so that they were less likely to be used. Since we have 40 public PCs in the Adult Services area and 16 in the Youth Services area at our main branch we were still able to keep about 1/3 - ½ of them available with social distancing.

For precautions against theft, we have Prey Project software installed on the laptops and a small (5 device) fee paid that allows the laptops to be tracked should they leave the building. We've never had that happen, but it's nice to know that this option exists in case law enforcement needed to be involved in retrieving a stolen laptop. We also have Faronics Labs' Deep Freeze software installed on the public laptops (and public desktops) so that patrons are unable to install software or make any permanent changes to the computers. No physical security tags (tattle-tape) attached to units or bags.

City of Dearborn
Dennis Jameson
Library Systems Specialist
Automation
Henry Ford Centennial Library
djameson at ci.dearborn.mi.us

From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> On Behalf Of Grimm, Erica via Michlib-l
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 12:23 PM
To: michlib-l at mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] In library laptop lending

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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