The library's circulating laptops were purchased with a grant from the Dover Foundation.

The library is happy to announce that four wireless laptops are now available for checkout (for in-library use only) to GWU students, faculty, and staff members. (These circulating laptops are completely separate from the AudioVisual Department laptops which students and faculty can check out for use in classroom presentations, off-campus events, etc.) Each laptop comes equipped with Microsoft Office Professional 2003 (which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access).

General Rules

1. Laptops may only be used inside Dover Memorial Library.
2. Only current GWU students and employees in good standing with the library may use these laptops. PATRONS WHO DO NOT HAVE THEIR GWU ID CANNOT CHECK OUT A LAPTOP!
3. Users take full responsibility while the laptops are in their possession.
4. Check out is for three (3) hours -- but checked-out laptops must be returned to the Circulation Desk by the time the library closes.
5. A laptop can be renewed once, if no other patron is waiting for one to become available.
6. Printing will not be available on the laptops. All documents should be saved by the patron on either a CD-R/RW or flash drive.
7. Laptops cannot be reserved ahead of time. They are available on a strictly first-come, first served basis.

Responsibility Agreements

Before patrons may use the laptops, they must sign a liability agreement which will be kept on file in the library. This agreement must be initialed by the patron each subsequent semester before the patron is allowed use of the laptops. A copy of the agreement can be found here.

After the liability agreement is signed, the patron will be allowed to check out the laptop. In exchange for the laptop, the patron must present his/her GWU ID card. This card will be kept at the Circulation Desk along with a copy of the check out receipt. If the photograph of the person on the ID is unrecognizable, a second picture ID will be required. Both of these IDs will be kept at the desk with the check out receipt.

Acceptable Use Policies

The library's circulating laptops should only be used for academic purposes. Inappropriate activities will not be tolerated. The patron:

1. Shall Not download any software programs or games.
2. Shall Not view any unacceptable websites.
3. Shall Not copy programs to another laptop.
4. Shall Not commit any other acts that would damage the laptop or violate Campus Internet Policy, as set down in the University Student Handbook, Section 34.

“Users will exercise responsible, ethical behavior when using these resources. Users will also refrain from using computing resources to view, print, or access in any manner, material that may be offensive to others. Failure to exercise ethical behavior will result in appropriate disciplinary action, including the possible revoking of the right to use WEBBNET.

Gardner-Webb University will NOT be liable for the actions of anyone connecting to the Internet through the University WEBBNET. All users assume full responsibility for their actions.”

-Section 34, pg. 98, University Student Handbook

Checkin/checkout procedures

A power supply will be checked out with the laptop unless the patron specifically requests not to have one. Since the battery life on the laptops is only about three (3) hours, most will require a power charger. Each power charger will be numbered to match a corresponding laptop. If the power charger is not returned with the laptop, the check in will be considered incomplete and the patron will be charged the replacement cost and processing fees for the missing component. Failure to return the power charger will result in revocation of privilege to check out a laptop in the future. When using the power charger it must not block or cross walkways in the library. A headset will also be made available for checkout if the patron requests one.

At the time of checkout, patrons will be given a login and password. To access the Internet, patrons must log in to Clean Access Agent. This will require patrons to enter their MyWebb username and password.

A record of every checkout will be noted on a“Laptop Timesheet.” This timesheet will be kept as a record of who had which laptop in case of damage or theft.

When finished with the laptop, the patron will return it to the Circulation Desk. The Circulation staff will visually examine the laptop for any damage or personal items. Any flash-drives or CDs found will be returned to the patron. Once this is completed the laptop will be checked in and the ID card will be returned to the patron.

Patrons should not leave the laptop unattended. If a patron must leave for a short duration, the laptop may be left at the Circulation Desk with the understanding that the check-in time will not be changed.

Patrons are responsible for the laptop and accessories until these items are turned in to the Circulation Desk. Patrons will be held responsible for any incidents involving the laptop or accessories, including theft of items. Overdue fines are $5 per hour, with partial hours billed at the full hourly overdue rate. Overdue fines are non-refundable. The replacement cost of the equipment plus a processing fee of $15 will be assessed if a laptop (and/or peripheral component) is lost, stolen, or damaged. Each incident will be handled individually and will be left to the discretion of the Circulation Manager, Public Services Librarian, and Dean of Libraries concerning guilt and punishment. Patrons found guilty of abusing the laptop privilege may have their laptop privileges revoked. An incident report on each matter will also be forwarded to the Dean of Student Affairs.