Oops - this message was rejected because it was too big, so I have removed a good photo which Maynooth attached. I hope it works now.
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From: CLOUSTON Pam
Sent: 04 September 2014 15:40
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Self-issue laptops

Dear colleagues,

Thank you to those who have responded about their self service laptop loan services. Several other members of the list were also interested in replies, so here is what I have been sent so far.

Maynooth University Library in Ireland have 16 laptops for self issue. These are kept in a cabinet (see photo attached).  Users do not authenticate themselves, and it is a first-come, first-serve basis.  The laptop unit itself is in the library proper - behind the turnstiles and the alarm will go off if it is attempted to be removed from the library.

Maynooth have found this service works well and is popular and they haven't had any damage or theft in the two years they've had them.  Usually when the battery dies, students return them and plug them in for recharge.  The cabinet is from Loxit Ltd in Poynton Cheshire (http://www.loxit.com/) and it was approximately £2000 total (3 years ago).  There is one plug which is connected to the mains and charges the laptops throughout the day/night.

Maynooth haven't experienced any issues with previous borrowers use, when students are finished they log off or if the laptop dies it will automatically log the last user off also. They are currently considering a larger laptop storage unit where students swipe their cards to get both a laptop and charger, and hope to implement this next year.

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St Mary's University use LapSafe, bought through DTech who are their RFID suppliers but it can be bought direct. The borrower is authenticated with their ID card into the LMS which handles/refuses the loan as appropriate.

They loan for 6 hour periods to students only. The idea is that they are to supplement PC availability and to be used on campus. After 11pm they issue to 9am. Students can't borrow if they have fines over £15.

The cabinets come in batches of 12 with a central console that can support a number of the 12-batches. They currently have 4. The return of a loan is completed when the borrower plugs the laptop into the cable in the cabinet and (a later development which was ask for when they lost a laptop) the door is closed on the plugged-in laptop. They have put an additional laptop charger in each unit which the borrower can choose to take if they wish - (they have lost a couple of these)

 You can choose to have the cabinet retain the laptop to clear data etc. This is an extra cost. St Mary's chose not to as their IT wanted to regularly clear and test. Frequently all 48 are out and the original 15 minute turnaround time that was set up was too long and they now have only a 3 minute hiatus.

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Canterbury Christ Church University operate iBorrow which was launched in 2009 as part of the move to Augustine House.  It was a pioneering scheme and has been most successful.  More information can be found at -
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/projects/iborrow/

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Middlesex University have a very successful system with 150 laptops. I have yet to contact their IT person for more info on this service.

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With best wishes
Pam

-----Original Message-----
From: A general library and information science list for news and
discussion. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of CLOUSTON Pam
Sent: 29 August 2014 14:11
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Self-issue laptops

Dear Lislink,

We are planning for a new Library, and have been considering self-issue of
laptops. Does anyone run such a service? I would be very grateful to hear
how it works.

Does the user authenticate themselves, before getting hold of the laptop
(presumably out of a secure cabinet)?

What sort of policies are used to circulate them?

What kit and facilities are needed in the way of power/data and cabinets?

Do the laptops just rebuild after being returned? Any problems with the
previous borrower's use?

Many thanks and best wishes!
Pam

Pam Clouston
IS Helpdesk Manager (Sites)
User Services Division
Information Services
University of Edinburgh

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The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland,
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