Laptop Checkout: Welcome

Short-term laptop loans check out for three (3) weeks and can be renewed one time after initial checkout. The laptops have a camera and microphone built in, as well as access to core academic software pre-installed.

Borrower Use and Liability

• Laptops may only be checked out to current Auburn University students. 
• The borrower is responsible for the laptop until it has been returned and checked in.
• Borrowers are liable for any damage done to the software or hardware of the device. Borrowers accept liability for physical damage, theft, or malware encountered due to negligence during checkout. 
• The borrower is responsible for the safe storage of their data. Borrowers should consider using cloud storage for file storage. User data is wiped when a laptop is returned and should be moved to alternative storage before the device is returned.
• All borrowers accept responsibility for repairing or replacing the laptop (up to $2,000) in case of loss, theft, or damage.  Prices may vary depending on current replacement costs.

Loan Guidelines

• Loan Period and Renewals:
  • Laptops are loaned for three weeks, with one optional renewal for six weeks.
  • Laptops can be requested again one week after they are returned.
  • Renewal requests after due date will be denied.
• Request Process:
  • Requests are fulfilled in the order they are received and based on availability.
  • Expect a response to the request within one to two business days.
  • Do not submit multiple requests.
  • Requests are processed Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:45 PM, excluding university holidays.
  • Requests received outside these hours will be processed the next business day.
  • Requests cannot be fulfilled on the same day. Expect at least one day between the request and fulfillment.
  • If an email requesting more information is received, respond within 48 hours, or the request will be canceled.
• Pickup Process:
  • A confirmation email with a booking link will be sent when the laptop is ready.
  • Schedule a pickup time using the link in the email. A laptop cannot be picked up without an appointment.
  • If a pickup is not scheduled within 48 hours, the request will be canceled, and the requester will be restricted from requesting a laptop for two weeks. A second incident will result in a semester-long restriction.
  • If the appointment cannot be made, reschedule using the booking link at least 24 hours before. If rescheduled within 24 hours, the reservation will be canceled, and the requester will be restricted from requesting a laptop for two weeks.
  • Pick up the laptop within five business days of receiving the confirmation email. Use the link in the email to reserve a pickup time.
  • If the laptop is not picked up within five business days or the scheduled pickup time is missed without prior notification, the requester will be restricted from requesting a laptop for the rest of the semester.
  • If the laptop is no longer needed, email to cancel the request or face the penalties described above.
  • Show an official Auburn ID (physical TigerCard or GET Mobile app) when picking up the laptop.
• Return and Recall:
  • Laptops can be returned to the RBD Circulation Desk before the due date.
  • Laptops are subject to recall at any time.
• Penalties and Responsibilities:
  • If the laptop is not returned by the due date, a fine of $75 per day will be incurred. If it's not returned within 14 days, it will be considered lost or stolen, and the requester may be referred to the student conduct board and campus police.
  • The AU Libraries are not responsible for the loss or damage of files during the loan period.
  • The AU Libraries are not responsible for any malware transferred to or from a storage device or internet traffic.
  • The AU Libraries are not responsible for any physical damage to the laptop during checkout.

Replacement/Damage Charges

• The laptop costs $2,000 if the entire unit is damaged or not returned. These charges will be subject to the same collection procedures used for damaged or lost library materials.

Battery Life

• Each laptop will come with an A/C adapter.
• We are not responsible for lost information due to loss of battery power; it is the laptop borrower's sole responsibility to ensure that all user-created information is saved correctly and that the laptop is sufficiently charged.

Saving Files

• Do not save any files on the laptop's hard drives. Files can be saved to a personal storage device or Box.
• Each device is wiped of the patron's personal information and sanitized upon return. Deleted files cannot be recovered.

Support and Help

• Technical Support and Software Application questions may be directed to the Libraries' IT Department via email to libsys@auburn.edu. The libsys email account is monitored Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., excluding official University holidays.
• For assistance with library resources such as library catalogs, indexes, electronic journals, or research databases, please chat with us.
• Library staff is not responsible for teaching patrons how to use software packages.