Circulating Laptops: Lessons Learned in an Academic Library

Abstract

Laptops have become ubiquitous in academic libraries, as has the practice of circulating laptops for student use. Several studies have analyzed the how-to of loaning laptops, and a number of surveys have focused on how they are being used. However, little has been written of the practical lessons learned; the trial and error of those on the frontlines in academic libraries. The pitfalls of wireless networks, battery life, high demand, and brutal usage make offering such a popular service challenging. The experiences of the University of Houston's M.D. Anderson Library, while possibly not typical, provide a snapshot of the pitfalls involved in making laptop circulation successful.

KEYWORDS:

• Laptop
• circulation
• computer
• student services
• checkout
• notebook
• portable
• mobile