Access Services

Technology Policy and Procedures

 

Procedures

    

Checking out

 

All Technology items are located on the 2nd floor of the library behind the circulation desk. Technology items  are available to enrolled students, dual enrolled students, cross enrolled students, and faculty/staff. They are available on a first come and first serve basis. Only 1 of each kind can be checked out at a time. The first day for checkouts is always the first day of class of a semester. 

 

Patrons require their colonel card to borrow any technology item.. The patron borrowing  is the sole authorized user. We cannot allow patrons to check out items  for another person. All contents will be shown to the patron and any issues, hardware or software, will be shown to the patron.

 

During the checkout process, patrons will be given an agreement contract and must agree to all responsibilities and liabilities detailed here before the item(s) is/are turned over to them. The laptop’s pre-check out condition will be attached to the contract. It will be held for 5 years. A copy will be placed in the laptop bag for personal reference. 

 

The patron will be notified of their due date at the time of checkout.

 

Borrowing Period

 

During fall and spring, technology items  will be checked out on a month-by-month basis.

            

During winter and summer, Technology items will be checked out for the whole semester.

 

Renewals 

 

Technology items must be renewed 15 minutes before close on the due date. If there are any non-emergency conflicts, we must be notified before the due date. If an emergency prevents renewal, please notify us as soon as possible. 

                        

All components must be present for renewal. The pieces are listed on the contract.  

 

Returns

Returns must be made 15 minutes before closing on the due date at the Circulation Desk on the second floor of the Library.  All materials must be present for the return to be processed. The patron must remain in the building while circulation checks the presence and condition of each item. Any issues will be discussed with the patron at this time.

 

All personal items should be removed from the bags before returning. Any items that are left in the bag and not found during the return process are not our responsibility. Any illegal items or items that go against school policy will be handed to the proper authorities.  

 

Technology items  are not to be returned in the book drop.

 

Overdue Laptops

Technology items are considered overdue one week after the initial due date. All overdue laptops will be remotely shut off. The laptop must be returned to the library to be turned back on.  A replacement fee will be charged for non-laptp items that are overdue. Fees will be forgiven if the item is forgiven.

The first instance of being overdue is considered a warning. A second instance of being overdue will result in a ban from technology for the semester. 

Items overdue for more than a month can lead to an instant ban of technology privileges. Items overdue for longer than a month may lead to a suspension of technology privileges for a year or longer. Suspensions of privileges are at the discretion of the Head of Circulation and/or the Library Director. 

 

          

Policies

Cleanliness

 

Patrons are expected to keep our technology clean. This includes, but is not limited to, refraining from eating messy foods around the device, not smoking near the components, and to not attach any stickers to any part of the computers. We reserve the right to charge a replacement fee for any items deemed unfit for circulation.

 

 Safe Storage

 

Technology should remain in the provided bag and stored in areas that will maintain their function. They are not to remain in a patron’s car for extended periods of time. While personal items are allowed within the provided bags, we are not liable for the damage they may cause to the components.

 

Laptops should not be plugged in 24/7. It is best practice for the battery to drain. 

 

 Authorized Use

 

Laptops may not be utilized to download, distribute, or harbor pirated materials or materials that infringe on a creator’s copyright. If any illegal files or programs are found, the appropriate authorities will be notified. 

 

Laptop use must be in compliance with the Code of Conduct of the University: https://www.nicholls.edu/online/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2019/09/Code-of-Student-Conduct-Handbook-2.pdf 

 

 Authorized User

 

The patron who checks out the technology item(s) is the sole authorized user. While we cannot prevent others from using the laptop, the patron is responsible for any damages caused by other users. 

 

 Damage and Other Issues

 

Damage and software issues are to be reported as soon as they are noticed. These reports can be through email, our text service, calls, or in-person. The course of action will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may involve sending the item to IT for further consultation. We understand that such things can hurt a patron’s work. We, on a case-by-case basis, may allow for the temporary check out of a replacement. The patron will be liable for both items and must agree to this.

 

Damage to items that is deemed to be malicious or due to gross negligence will lead to a permanent ban from checking out technology. Accidental damages will not hurt a student’s standing. We reserve the right to ask for proof when appropriate.

 

Patrons are responsible for the cost of repairs that are not covered by our warranties. All repairs will be handled by IT and go through proper University channels. Damaged items will not be turned over to patrons to be repaired elsewhere. 

                        

Patrons are to never try and repair items themselves. While we understand some people are more computer literate than others, only we know what will void our warranties. Personal repair can lead to greater repair costs or full replacement costs.      

 

 Revisions 

         

We reserve the right to amend the policies and procedures outlined in this document at any time. Patrons will be notified of these revisions when they renew their laptop.