Q. What are the library laptops policies?

HCU Laptop Kiosk Checkout Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines the responsibilities that individuals must accept when they check out a laptop from the HCU Learning Commons Laptop Kiosk.

Scope

 This policy applies to all individuals who check out a laptop computer from the HCU Learning Commons.

Why was this policy created?

The laptop checkout kiosk offers a way for members of the HCU community to obtain a laptop for temporary use at no monetary cost. Since laptops are portable and since multiple members of the HCU community may use the same physical laptop within a short span of time, there are certain risks that are exposed for HCU as well as for community members. These include, but are not limited to:

 Theft of HCU property - laptops are easy to steal and their relatively high value and easiness to sell makes them common targets of theft.

 Exposure of sensitive, institutional information - misplaced or unsecured laptops may expose sensitive information to the public. In addition, confidential files containing sensitive information may be left on the laptop and be seen by another individual who checks out the same machine.

 Exposure of private information - in addition to information that is sensitive, private information may also be exposed when the laptop is stolen or checked out by another individual.

 Damage of HCU property - laptops are more susceptible to damage, both due to their portable nature and their relatively fragile construction.

 Create a clear understanding of the responsibilities, penalties, loan periods, and all general information needed to checkout a laptop to HCU students, staff, faculty, alumni, and adjuncts.
 

Laptop Checkout Parameters

 Laptops may be checkout out for a period of 3 hours at a time. If you need a laptop for longer than that please return the one you are currently on and check out a new one.

 Laptops may not be reserved.

 Laptops are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 Only one laptop per person may be checked out at a time.

 Laptops may only be checked out with a valid HCU ID. The individual who’s ID is being used, is solely responsible for the laptop until it is checked back into the kiosk.

 Each laptop checkout will undergo a short check-in and check-out process that requires your presence. Please make sure to read all policies and agree before checking out a laptop and upon check-in please make sure that you secure the laptop into the bay and confirm anything on the screen that you will be prompted with.

Responsibilities

 When a HCU member checks out a laptop, s/he accepts responsibility for safeguarding the laptop itself.

 Do not leave Laptop unattended. Take appropriate steps to protect the laptop from theft.

 When a HCU member checks out a laptop, s/he accepts responsibility for all data stored onto the laptop, i.e., Google, Yahoo or any search engine search, websites visited, information that may be cached on the laptop.

 Laptops that are checked out should not be left unattended and/or given to someone else to use while you have checked it out, as you will be held responsible for anything found on that laptop.

 Laptops CANNOT be kept overnight and MUST BE returned to the kiosk before the Learning Commons closes the same night you check it out.

 Do not work on or save sensitive information on a laptop without taking appropriate precautions.

 Sensitive information refers to any data that is protected by HCU policy, or by any local, state or national laws or regulations. This includes, but is not limited to: education records, personally identifiable information, and confidential internal HCU information. (ITS staff can answer any questions regarding what data is considered sensitive and what is not)

 When a HCU member checks out a laptop, s/he accepts responsibility to protect the laptop from damage. i.e.: Cracking the screen, dropping it on the floor, not eating/drinking around the laptop (spilling drink or leaving crumbs).

 Laptops should not be used in locations that might increase the likelihood of damage. (i.e. areas with water, outside, cafeteria, restrooms, etc.)

 If you check out a laptop and notice damage to the laptop, discover an application is not working, or you cannot connect to the internet, please return the laptop immediately and report any damage, loss, or theft as soon as possible to the ITS Helpdesk at 281-649-3410, via email helpdesk@hc.edu, or by submitting a ticket online at helpdesk.hbu.edu.

 All use of laptops checked out from the kiosk must comply with the HCU Computer Use Policy: https://hc.edu/student-life/student-services-resources/student-handbook/policies/computer-use/

Penalties/Liabilities

 Laptops with a late check in (anytime greater than 10 minutes past the total allotted time of 3hrs) - $10/hr fine the first 3 lates, then $25/hr. for the 4th late or greater for the remainder of the semester (late counter resets each semester/term).

 Multiple late check in occurrences (max of 4) requires a suspension of privileges for 1 week.

 Theft, defined as anything greater than 24 hours - $600 replacement fine to your HCU account as well as loss of checkout privileges.

 Tampering/Destruction of Laptop – Any tampering (removal of docking bar, adding anything to the laptop, removal of stickers, etc.) and/or damage done to the laptop itself (broken buttons, scratches/markings, cracks on screen, dropping of device, etc.) will be subject to cost of repair to the laptop. In the case that a laptop needs to be replaced a charge of $600 will applied to the HCU account of the user who’s ID was used to check out the laptop, plus a loss of laptop checkout privileges.

 Any proxy checkouts (i.e., having shared your password with someone who used your ID to check out a laptop) will be treated as an integrity or code of conduct violation. Immediate loss of privileges and meeting with responsible designee with be required.

 Use laptops at your own risk. HCU cannot be held liable for any injuries sustained while using a laptop checked out from the Learning Commons kiosk.

 Laptops are not to leave the building. You may however take them anywhere within the Learning Commons, Academic Success Center, or upstairs in the Library.

By checking this laptop out with your HCU account, you agree to adhere to the terms of the Laptop Checkout Policy as stated above.

 For more questions or additional information, please contact HCU ITS at 281-649-3410.