Policies and FAQ for Circulating Laptops

What kind of laptops are they? Dell laptops are available at Central, Divinity, Music, Science & Engineering, and Peabody.  iBooks are available at Peabody.

What software is available? All library laptops are wireless and loaded with the Microsoft Office Suite.  

Who can check out a laptop? Faculty, staff and students with a valid Vanderbilt University ID.

How long can it be checked out? Can it be renewed? Laptops are checked out for eight (8) hours and may not be renewed online. Laptops can go out overnight if checked out after 6:00p.m. or if the library is closing before 7:00pm, overnight check out can begin one hour before closing time.

May they be taken out of the library? Yes. Also, they may be taken out overnight as specified above.

Can I reserve a laptop? No. Laptops are provided on a first come, first served basis. Particularly in heavy use times of the semester, you should not expect to be able to charge the laptop back out immediately after returning it.

How do I check one out? Where can it be returned? Laptops are available at the circulation desks of the following libraries: Central, Science and Engineering, Divinity, Education, and Music. For your protection, laptops must be returned to the circulation desk of the library from which it was borrowed and you must personally deliver it to a staff member. DO NOT RETURN A LAPTOP TO A BOOKDROP! Circulation staff will then check to make sure all accessories have been returned and the computer works properly.  You will be billed for any missing parts. You will then be provided a receipt that will prove that you returned the laptop.

Are there overdue fines? Yes. Overdue fines are $7.50/hour and are non-refundable. Please return the laptop on time.

Which libraries have laptops available for check-out right now?  The laptops are listed in Acorn, the libraries’ online catalog.  Click on one of the links to view availability for an iBook or a PC.
iBook (link to  http://acorn.library.vanderbilt.edu/cgi-bin/title/MacBook)

Dell PC (link to http://acorn.library.vanderbilt.edu/cgi-bin/title/Dell+Latitude)

Can I load my own programs onto the laptop? No software may be installed. The laptops are equipped with software that restores the computer to its initial state when re-booted.

How do I save my work? Save work to VU-Space or to  a thumb drive.

What about printing? Each library will have a designated printer for printing wirelessly from the laptop. Ask at the circulation desk for the location of this printer.

Are there other restrictions on what I may do with the laptop? All computing at Vanderbilt is regulated by the Guidelines for Computer Use, which can be found here.

Where do I go/who do I call if I need assistance? Notify a library staff member immediately.