FAU Libraries Laptop Computer Loan Agreement

The S. E. Wimberly Library at Boca Raton has PC and Mac laptop computers available for checkout. These laptops are available at the Library Media Center (LY 122) for IN-LIBRARY USE ONLY.

Borrower Use and Liability:

• Laptops may only be checked out by current FAU and PBSC South Campus students, faculty and staff with a valid Library Card (for FAU students, faculty and staff, this would be an “Owl Card”) and a 2nd form of photo identification.
  
• All borrowers must sign an FAU Library Laptop Computer Loan Agreement, accepting responsibility for the repair or replacement of the laptop (up to $2,000) and/or peripherals (up to $500) in the event of loss, theft, or damage. This agreement will be signed once per semester. Prices may vary depending upon current replacement costs. 
• Borrowers may not attach their own hardware to the laptops. Borrowers may not install their own software, or change system settings.
  
• A printable version of the FAU Library Laptop Computer Loan Agreement is available at: http://www.library.fau.edu/policies/pubpol/laptop.htm#loan
  
• LAPTOPS SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED. The library is not responsible if a laptop or laptop peripherals are stolen or damaged during a borrower's loan period. YOU are responsible for the laptop and all peripherals until YOU have returned it and it is checked in.

Loan Guidelines:

• Laptops are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be reserved or held for individual or group use.
  
• Laptops may be borrowed for a 3 hour time period.
  
• Laptops are to remain in the library for the duration of the loan period, and may be renewed once, if no one else is waiting.  
• Laptops will stop circulating two (2) hours before the library closes and all laptops are due back one (1) hour before the library closes regardless of when they were checked out. 
• Laptops must be returned to a Media Center or Circulation employee. DO NOT leave the laptop unattended at the Media Center Desk or Circulation Desk. 
• Laptops can be checked out from and returned at the Circulation Desk when the Media Center is closed.  For library hours, click here: (http://www.library.fau.edu/geninfo/hours.htm).

Fines and Replacement/Damage Charges:

• Overdue fines will accrue at $10.00 per hour, or any portion thereof, up to 24 hours. Once a laptop is 24 hours overdue, it will be considered lost and the borrower will be fined the maximum $2000.  
• Replacement cost of lost, damaged, or stolen laptop peripherals will be no more than $500 plus the accrued overdue fine.  
•  The cost of the laptop is $2,000 if the entire unit is damaged or not returned. These charges will be subject to the same collection procedures that are used for fines or fees for damaged or lost library materials.

Equipment:

PC Laptop Specifications:

• Dell Latitude D600
  Processor: 848215, 1.4GHZ
  Hard Drive: 30G
  Dual In-Line Memory Module, 2GB
  Wireless: MINI PCI CARD
  

• Applications Include:

  Microsoft Office 2007
  Internet Explorer
  Adobe Reader
  Windows Media Player
  Windows Movie Maker

Mac Laptop Specifications:

• MacBook
  Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26 GHz
  Hard Drive: 160G
  RAM: 4GB DDR3
  Wireless Card: 802.11n

• Applications Include:

  Mac OS Snow Leopard10.6.8
  Microsoft Office 2011
  Safari
  Mozilla Firefox

Battery Life and Performance:

• Each PC laptop will include one battery (Mac laptops come with A/C adapters). One fully charged battery has an expected life of about 3-4 hours for average usage; certain operations (i.e., wireless operation or DVD viewing) will shorten battery operating time.
  
• We are not responsible for lost information due to loss of battery power; it is the sole responsibility of the laptop borrower to make sure that all user created information is properly saved and that the laptop is sufficiently charged.
  
• When a laptop is in need of recharging, you may exchange it for one that is charged or a charged battery.

Saving Files:

• Laptop borrowers may save files to a writable CD, DVD, or a USB memory key; all/any of these must be provided by the laptop borrower. Once saved, files may also be sent via email if the laptop is connected to the internet.
  

Connecting to the Internet:

• Once the laptop boots up, there will be a document on the desktop with instructions on how to connect to the Internet.  

Support and Help:

• Library staff are not responsible for teaching patrons how to use software packages.
  
• For assistance with library resources such as library catalogs, indexes, electronic journals, or research databases, please go to the Reference Desk located on the first floor of the library.

Portable Data/Video Projector:

• A portable data/video projector is available for checkout with a laptop.
• In addition to the requirements for a laptop loan, a study room key must be presented for checkout of the projector.
• The fines and replacement/damage charges are the same for the projector as for the laptop:
  • Overdue fines will accrue at $10.00 per hour, or any portion thereof, up to 24 hours.  Once a projector is 24 hours overdue, it will be considered lost and the borrower will be fined the maximum $2000.
  • Replacement cost of lost, damaged, or stolen projector peripherals will be no more than $500 plus the accrued overdue fine.
  • ** The cost of the projector is $2,000 if the entire unit is damaged or not returned. These charges will be subject to the same collection procedures that are used for fines or fees for damaged or lost library materials.

Note: If you would like to use your own laptop in the library or connect your laptop to our wireless network, please see the FAU Office of Information Technology (OIT) webpage for connecting your laptop.