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CIRCULATING LAPTOP COMPUTERS
COMPUTER SERVICES POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION: The Berkshire Athenaeum exists to initiate, nurture and feed a passion for knowledge and learning, and as one of its primary goals, “People of all ages will have their questions answered or have the necessary resources provided to them to discover answers for themselves.” Supporting this goal, Athenaeum offers Internet access via laptop computers that may be borrowed from the Reference Department for in-library use.    

1. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: Available laptops are all PC’s with USB data storage options. Some offer CD and DVD drives.

1. POLICY:
1. Visitors to the Athenaeum may borrow a laptop with their C/W MARS library cards. 
2. Only library cardholders whose accounts are in good standing may check out laptops.
3. The cardholder is liable for the laptop while it is checked out to that cardholder.
4. The cardholder will be charged $750 for any laptop not returned to the Reference Desk.
5. Borrowers who return laptops late will be fined $5.00 per hour (or portion thereof).
6. Laptops must be checked out from and returned to the Reference Desk.
7. Laptops will be checked out with a power cord.
8. Laptops circulate for two-hour loan periods.
9. Patrons may borrow a laptop once per day.
10. There are no renewals on laptop loans.
11. Laptops are available on a first come, first served basis.  There are no holds or reserves on the laptops.
12. Security software on each computer provides the borrower with two hours of time.  The countdown for the borrower starts the moment they are logged on by the Reference Department employee who checks out the equipment. The Reference Department employee will mark the “Check Out” and “Due Back” times on the lending slip that accompanies each library laptop. The Athenaeum’s automated circulation system will begin to assess fines on an overdue laptop after the two hour loan period has elapsed.
13. Borrowers wishing to save data may do so on flash drives they provide, or for those laptops with a CD drive, on CD-R’s they may supply themselves or purchase from the library. No data may be stored on internal hard drives.
14. Printing functions are not available for laptop computers at this time.
15. With the exception of the reading terraces, laptops may not be taken outside the library building.
16. The Internet and wireless policies of the Berkshire Athenaeum apply to both patron-owned and library-owned laptops used in the library.
17. Persons violating the terms of library policy may have their privilege of using library computers suspended or revoked.

1. PROCEDURES:
1. While not in use, the circulating laptop computers are kept in the Reference Department.
2. Whenever practical, Reference Department employees will plug the laptop in between uses to make sure the batteries are fully charged.
3. Patrons with accounts not in good standing will be referred to the Circulation Department for resolution.
4. Borrowers are to be invited to direct technical questions regarding the use of laptops to Reference Department personnel.
5. When checking in the equipment, Reference Department personnel will check to be sure the power cord has been returned with the computer.

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Updated January 2010.