On February 14, I posted a request to the Web4Lib and Publib members for help in a survey of their libraries about lending laptops. Below after my signature are our results, which we indicated we would share with you all. *These results are being cross-posted, so apologies if you see this more than once.*

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Best regards,

Michael

P. Michael McCulley, Librarian II / Information & Technology

San Diego Public Library, 820 E Street, CA 92101-4806

Phone: 619-238-6678 / FAX: 619-238-6639

E-mail:

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Summary, San Diego Public Library, Laptop Lending Survey, 2007

For further information, contact:

Michael McCulley, SDPL /

619-238-6678

*Overview Summary of Results*

We determined that laptop lending programs are not yet common, at least in the types of libraries represented in the study. Even if the libraries who indicate they plan to implement lending programs in the future actually do so, less than 50% of the libraries surveyed have or will have such programs. Among those libraries reporting they do have a lending program, the enthusiasm for the program is highly positive, and the demand considerable.

Of the 52 libraries responding to the survey, 14 libraries reported having a laptop lending program in effect at the present time. Nine libraries indicated plans to implement a program in the future.

It also does not appear that libraries operating lending programs are facing significant losses of machines, nor do those libraries report anything like extraordinary repair or breakage problems.

Driver's licenses appear to be the primary form of collateral required by libraries from patrons wishing to borrow a laptop, with library cards a secondary source.

*Overview of Survey*

A new laptop computer lending program offered by the San Diego Public Library (SDPL) raised some questions about what other libraries are doing in the area. A brief survey was conducted. Ten questions or issues were formulated for the survey:

1. Does your library system have a program of lending laptops to patrons?

2. Does your laptop checkout program operate in your Central or Main Library, branches, or both?

3. Do you offer wireless access in your library facilities?

4. What type of laptops (brands) do you use? Please list any security devices you use/attach to these laptops to enhance security.

5. How long may patrons check out your laptops?

6. During checkout, can your laptops be taken outside the library?

7. What form of ID, if any, must the patron leave as "collateral" for the laptop borrowing?

8. Do you have a written policy for what happens if the laptop is damaged or lost?

9. Please describe your experience with a) damage to your laptops; and b) loss/theft of laptops.

10. Please describe your experience regarding demand for borrowing laptops: small, medium, or high demand.

We gathered survey data via several sources:

* Peer libraries: A survey was administered to a "peer" group of libraries. Eleven (11) of the 13 libraries responded (Response rate: 85%)

* SERRA Cooperative Libraries: The survey was also sent to 13 libraries comprising the SERRA Cooperative Library System. Eight (8) of those libraries responded (Response rate: 62%).

* Mailing list libraries: An online version of the survey was posted on SurveyMonkey, with notices placed on 3 library mailing lists (publib; web4lib; and Urban Library Council's collection development mailing list). Thirty-three (33) libraries responded to this survey.

* Related surveys: In addition to the survey conducted by SDPL, several other sources of information about laptop lending programs were discovered. A thread on laptop security was started on publib and web4lib. These posts to this thread ran from February 7-9, 2007. In addition, a recent study was undertaken by the Monterey Public Library, and results were posted recently on the CALIX mailing list.

* Brief literature review: A brief review of the literature on the topic was conducted.

*Survey Summary Results*

Q1: Does your library system have a program of lending laptops to patrons? Do you plan to offer such a program in the future?

Eleven of 13 libraries in the peer libraries group responded to the survey. Of those responding, four libraries (including SDPL) indicated they had a program of lending laptops. Three of the responding libraries indicated they had no plans to implement a program in the future; one library indicated it did not know about plans for the future, and one library indicated it would "maybe" implement a program.

Of the 33 libraries responding to the mailing list survey, 10 (31%) indicated they had a program, while 7 libraries indicated they planned to implement a program in the future.

Of the 8 SERRA libraries responding, none indicated it had a lending program. Only 1 library suggested it might implement a program in the future.

In sum: of the 52 libraries responding to the survey, 14 libraries reported having a laptop lending program in effect at the present time. Nine libraries indicated plans to implement a program in the future.

Q2: Does your laptop checkout program operate in your Central or Main Library, branches, or both?

Of those peer libraries responding, three libraries indicated they implemented their lending program only through their Central Library, with one system indicating they had programs in both central and branch libraries.

Of those mailing list libraries responding, 9 indicated their program operated only from their central library, 2 from branch libraries only, and 4 indicated they had lending programs in both central and branch libraries.

Q3: Do you offer wireless access in your library facilities?

When asked if they offered wireless access in their library facilities, all but two libraries indicated they do offer wireless access. Ninety percent (30 libraries) of the mailing list libraries indicated they offer wireless access. Four of the SERRA libraries provide wireless access to their patrons.

Q4: What type of laptops (brands) do you use?

Only 1 peer library indicated it uses Apple iBooks; other peer libraries with lending programs use PC machines, primarily HP, Dell, Compaq, and Gateway. Similarly, only one library in the mailing list group of libraries reported using Apple machines; again, the PCs being used are the same as in the peer libraries. None of the SERRA libraries reported using Apple products.

Q5: Please list any security devices you use/attach to these laptops to enhance security.

None of the peer libraries report using security devices on their lending laptops.

In the mailing list libraries, one uses 3M tattletape, one engraves an ID number on its machines, and one uses a software program called Computrace. No security devices were reported by SERRA libraries.

Q6: How long may patrons check out your laptops?

Three of the peer libraries reported patrons may check out laptops for 1-2 hours, while one library reported its patrons could check out a laptop for 4-6 hours, and could renew for up to 4 additional hours. Among mailing list libraries, 10 libraries offer a 1-2 hour checkout period, and 1 library permits a 4-6 hour checkout. SERRA libraries did not respond to this item.

Q7: During checkout, can your laptops be taken outside the library?

Only 1 library, among all those surveyed, permits patrons to take laptops outside the library facility.

Q8: What form of ID, if any, must the patron leave as "collateral" for the laptop borrowing?

Of those libraries responding to this item, 10 libraries reported they required the patron to leave his or her library card. Seventeen libraries require patrons to leave a driver's license, while 7 libraries indicated they do not require a patron to leave any ID.

Q9: Do you have a written policy for what happens if the laptop is damaged or lost?

Of all libraries responding to this item, 13 libraries report they have a written policy, while 4 libraries indicated they do not have a written policy.

Q10: Please describe your experience with a) damage to your laptops; and b) loss/theft of laptops.

Below are representative quotes from the responses to this question:

* Some damaged, none lost.

* We have been lending laptops out for in-library use for 7 years and have not had problems with damage, loss, or theft, with the exception of power supplies constantly breaking.

* AC adapters may bread, some screens break, and hard drive failures. No losses.

* None at this time.

* We have never (at our branch) had to charge a patron with damage or loss of a laptop.

* Screens scratched, keyboards damaged, joysticks snapped off, DVD drives broken, laptops immersed in sink.

* We have lost 4 laptops, 2 at branches and 2 at Central. All were checked out so we were able to file police reports. None has been returned. Damage has been negligible.

* One theft, by a patron who is known to us, moved out of the region, and has no resources to pay. One accidental damage incident (broken screen when child slammed it down.) Paid as agreed. We now take the Dell Complete Care program that will repair any damages.

* Out of 400 over a two year period only one was stolen.

* Laptops get dropped, this is a fact of life. If the laptop still works, no problem; if not, repair or replacement costs are assessed (we have the three year limited replacement thingy with Dell, usually the repair/replacement is covered under the warranty) Haven't had any "take a walk" (fingers crossed).

* None in the nearly one year we have been running the program.

* None stolen--Only minor incidental damage--no major damage.

* So far no loss or damage. We've only been doing this for the Teen Central Room and only since June 2006.

* No damage, no theft. We have been doing this for several years.

* Not much experience. Everything is pretty smooth.

* None at this time.

Please describe your experience regarding demand for borrowing laptops: small, medium, or high demand.

Below are representative quotes from the responses to this question:

* High - they are popular.

* High demand.

* They have been incredibly useful in meeting the demand for computers in our facilities - especially smaller buildings where we simply cannot squeeze in another terminal. We plan to have 5 -10 laptops at every location.

* Very high demand. Our biggest problem with lending laptops for in-library use has always been "cleaning" them before their next checkout. Even when we have Window Washer or some such software on them, there are always problems. They also frequently need technical attention because they suddenly won't connect to the Internet, won't print, etc.

* Has been relatively high -- circulation rate at more than 80% of maximum potential. Need to have a rigorous procedure for restoring laptop when it is returned, and for checking to see if damaged. Be aware of serial borrowers who are using you as a substitute for getting their own.

* We've had the occasional question over the years, but as we have numerous public PCs for patrons to use, it is a rare question. Usually a student who has such a program at their university library, or has heard of one.

* Branches are asking for more laptops to meet demand.

* Within an hour or two of opening, we usually have half or more laptops checked out (so call it high demand). Patrons love the laptop lending, many would like to be able to take them out of the building.

* High Demand. We plan on increasing the numbers we have to loan.

* High demand. Patrons love them--IT dept. does not. Batteries need to be replaced periodically--lose ability to hold charge.

* Laptop demand has been incredibly high and very, very successful. When students are not in school, it's extremely rare for all laptops to not be in use. We often run a short waiting list. Teens prefer the laptops because of the flexibility - also laptops are more powerful computers and teens generally prefer.

* Medium... It's been successful. We also use laptops to teach classes.

* Usually, high demand, but I am talking from academic library, not public.

* Extremely high, especially during midterms and finals - averaging about 200 checkouts a day. About 5,000 checkouts a month when school is in session.

IUG List Feb 2007  Subject: Re: [IUG] Laptop Check out  

Eastern Washington University Libraries

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 08:22:23 -0800

We revamped our overdue policy last fall for laptops to a tiered fine structure. The fine is $4.00 for the first two hours a piece of equipment is overdue and $2.00 for every hour the library is open thereafter. Fines accumulate until they reach the maximum, $368 (non-refundable), which is roughly equivalent to two weeks of overdues. Three overdue notices are sent during this period. When the maximum fine is reached, the student is billed for the replacement cost of the equipment. Students can appeal a fine. Circulation staff make a decision based on library policies.

 

We had to make the fine higher for the first two hours because if it's any lower students students prefer to keep the laptop and pay the fine. There was quite a bit of complaining about the higher fines the first few months but this has subsided. Although we haven't done any statistical comparisons yet, anecdotal evidence indicates that students are more likely to return the laptops on time with the higher fines in place.

 

And, yes, a couple of students have paid the maximum overdue fine, usually after receiving a bill for the replacement cost of the equipment. They would much rather pay $368 than $2000!

 

Feel free to contact me off the list if you'd like more information about out laptop circulation program. We circulate 150 laptops, 15 digital cameras, 15 camcorders, and 10 digital projectors.

 

Grace Doherty Library Centre College

Danville, KY

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:08:38 -0500

We have used Innovative to check out laptops for a couple of years. We

have 12 laptops for a student body of about 1,100. Even though many

students have their own laptops (the library is wireless), the library's

laptops are in high demand. Because of this, we set up the circulation

loan rule to discourage someone from simply keeping the laptop for an

extended period of time. Laptops can be checked out for 2 hours, are not

renewable, the fine is $10 per hour, and the replacement cost is $2,000.

We are fairly flexible: if someone has a laptop for 2 1/2 hours we will

waive the fine; if they have it for 6 hours they are charged. Fines work

for us because at the end of the year, unpaid fines are sent to the

college business office. Once there, bad things can happen when bills

aren't paid - like not being able to participate in commencement or

charges added to statements sent to parents. 

 

Wisconsin Lutheran College

We check out laptops to our students and like other campuses, they are

in high demand. We have approximately 30 laptops for 750 students and

most of our students have their own computers as well. We use the

booking module to reserve them for overnight checkout. Fines are

charged for overdue laptops $1 per hour with the maximum hitting at $10.

For our students, if they get hit with a $10 fee that is high enough for

them to feel that is too much. For the most part, it works for us. We

have a few repeat offenders who are no longer allowed to check out

laptops because of being consistently late (even though they have paid

all their fines in a prompt manner).

 

Albion College

We circulate 24 wireless laptops to serve approximately 1900 students.

They check out for 4 hours or until the library closes for the evening,

whichever comes first. There are no renewals. We charge $1.00 an hour

if not returned on time, but the fine is typically waived as long as the

patron is not a repeat offender.

 

If the laptop is kept overnight, the patron is sent a $1500 replacement

fee. If/when the laptop is returned after the patron has been billed,

the charge is reduced to $25.00, which they must pay in the Accounting

office. The caveat to this is that we charge $25 per item, and we check

out the laptop, power adaptor and mouse separately, so quite often the

student pays as much as $75.00. The Accounting department places a hold

on their account so that they can not register for classes or receive

their diploma until it is paid. We have never had an instance where the

laptop was not eventually returned, but we have had to ask Campus Safety

to intercede on our behalf to "encourage" its return

 

Sawyer Library Suffolk University

We check out 50 laptops as well. We used fines ($5. per hour) for several

years but decided it wasn't fair because students who could afford the fine

basically ignored them and kept the laptop as long as they wanted. The fines

go on their bursar bills and students with non-questioning parents never had

to worry about them. Occasionally we used manual blocks for particularly

egregious offenders.

 

Earlier this spring semester we tried penalty points and gave them up. They

aren't as flexible as fines, there isn't a grace period for example. The

final kicker was after we enabled editing of the "block until" field, anyone

with permission to edit a patron record, could edit the "block until" field.

We want to allow our student workers to edit address and phone number

information in patron records, but not to "edit" their own or their friend's

blocks or to be pressured or cajoled by angry patrons to do it. For this

semester we are allowing students to check out a laptop until closing. They

are not allowed to take them out of the library or overnight. We'll see how

this works. At the moment the student's are more accepting of "there are no

more laptops" than they were of "you are blocked from borrowing a laptop for

a week because you brought it back 15 minutes late". The circ staff is

happier dealing with fewer irate students. It remains to be seen what

happens when crunch time starts and a student needs to write a paper and all

the laptops are out.

 

The students sign a form every time they borrow a laptop agreeing to be

charged $2,500.00 if they do not return the laptop. The form allows us to

gather some basic information such as their school. We have loaned laptops

for quite a few years and no one has taken one yet.

 

IUG List Dec 2005  Subject: Re: [IUG] Circulating laptop loan rules and/or policy  

Lafayette College

when we started lending laptops three (?) years ago we made students sign a form promising their first born if the laptop was not returned and we held their student ID for the duration of the loan (3 hours, in-library use only). Since the ID card is used all over campus I guess we figured that if they wanted to eat they'd make sure they returned the laptop. Both conditions proved to be a pain in the neck for patrons as well as staff and we no longer do either. Haven't lost one yet. (We're a small, mostly residential college, and only college affiliates can borrow laptops.)

 

We do include a cable lock (and instructions on how to use it) with each loan so if one does go missing the first question will be "did you secure it with the lock?"

 

The University of Akron -

Laptop policy

http://www3.uakron.edu/ul/depts/laptops/

I forgot to add that we circulate 150 laptops at our main campus library

and 30 at our Science library. We've been circulating laptops since

January 2001. Laptops can only be checked out to current students,

faculty, and staff. During the last 5 years, we've only had one student

walk out with a laptop never to return. We've had some thefts, mostly

from users leaving them unattended. We also offer lock down cables.

We've had some damage. Mostly broken or crack monitors. Laptops are

visibly inspected upon return.

 

Knock on wood, we haven't had one stolen for quite a while now.mmcculley@sandiego.govmmcculley@sandiego.gov