Laptop Computers: Information and Policies

Introduction

Portable laptop computers are available for 2 hour checkout from the Evansdale Library Circulation Desk.
You will need a valid West Virginia University Mountaineer ID card to check out a laptop. There will be no exceptions made to this policy.
Due to the limited number of computers, one renewal is permitted, if no one is waiting to use a computer.
You will need to leave your ID/license at the circulation desk when you check out a computer.
All computers must be returned to the circulation desk 1 hour before the library closes.
When you return a laptop computer, a circulation staff member will make sure that the PC is intact before returning your ID. Computers turned in late will result in overdue fines of $1.20 per hour.

Responsibility

Laptop computer users must complete a Registration and Fiscal Liability Form in which they acknowledge responsibility for a computer and any peripherals checked out to them.
Never leave the computer unattended while it is checked out to you!
Portable computers MUST be used within the Evansdale Library, and you should be able to access MountainLynx and the Internet from anywhere in the library, via a wireless network.
If a computer and/or AC adapter are not returned, that will be considered a theft of university and state property, and appropriate action will be taken.
The Evansdale Library is not responsible for any computer viruses that may be transferred to, or from, a user's floppy disk.

Batteries

The batteries will last for more than 1 hour, and the computer will beep when battery power starts to run low. As an alternative power source, use the AC adapter to plug into any electrical outlet.

Printing and Saving

You can print your work to the Pharos print station and two laser printers located in the Online Public Access Computers area. The cost is $.06 per page and will require the use of card swiping either your Mountaineer ID card or a vending card which you can purchase; these cards function as debit cards. A value-add ATM machine is located in the Microforms Room to add debit value to your card for either printing or photocopying.
You can also bring a floppy disk with you and save your work to that. It is a good idea to save to a diskette frequently to avoid losing any of your work, and be sure to SAVE if you hear your PC start to beep.
DO NOT save to the computer's hard drive. The hard drive of each computer will be wiped clean of all document files when rebooted or when power is lost.

Help is available on the page of Tips for Laptop Use.

For additional help, ask a staff member at the circulation desk. Staff can troubleshoot some common hardware problems and answer general questions about how to use the computer.

Questions on specific software packages may be referred to the consultants at the Library Systems Department. Please report any computer malfunctions when you turn in the computer at the circulation desk.