Lending laptops in a High School Library

[Linda McSweeney]

Greetings--

We will be getting 10 (refurbished xp computers with just MS Office and an internet browser to start). I'm hoping that someone has a loan policy (or policies if they are different for students and staff) to share. Sharing of successes, horror stories, etc. also very welcome!

Many thianks, Linda in Vermont

[Ray Maseman]

I've only checked them out to staff, but it was usually for a semester at a time. I also checked them out to students, but only for in library use when the desktops were all full. They had to sign a contract (provided by the district). If I were just checking out to staff I'd probably just do as equipment checkout, similar to what I do for everything from globes to headphones to LCD projectors. Students would be trickier. I'm interested to hear what people say. I know its been done.

[Richard Beaudry]

Hi Linda,

My high school library has 2 COWs (computers on Wheels) with 30 computers each. Each student has to sign an acceptable user policy before they can use any computers in the school. In our district, students have GO Cards which are basic student ID's. When a whole class is borrowing portable computers, the teacher takes responsibility for the distribution of the the hardware. We do let individual students come to the library to borrow portables as long as their teacher sends a note. Some form of picture ID is necessary. Many students leave their driver's license as well as their Go Cards.

In two years we have not lost a portable computer in the school (one was dropped and needed repairs). The students and staff seem satisfied with the policy in place that was set up by the school technology committee and the department heads.

Richard Beaudry
Librarian
Langley Secondary

[Marion Vose]

We have a total of 15 wireless laptops in our library. Students may check one out only if all our desk stations (we have 18 of those) are occupied or if they are working in groups and their teacher specifically requests that they be able to use laptops. We are hoping this policy will extend their life. The laptops have a card pocket and card attached to them and are numbered. Students sign them out by filling out the card (name, date, period) and we hang on to the card until the laptop is returned. Teachers may also sign out laptops for use beyond the library though they usually just need them to use the desktop programs (powerpoint, etc.). This process has worked really well for us!