Laptop Checkout
Overview
The Library initiated a laptop checkout program during the Spring 2006 semester. Laptops are intended to be used by current SF State students, faculty and staff with a valid OneCard / SF State ID to search electronic resources, use the Library Catalog, write papers and for other academically related work.
All users are required to follow SF State policies regarding computer/Internet use and copyright:
Important Reminders:
- Return the laptop on time, or pay a late fee
- If the laptop is lost or stolen, you pay up to $2,000!
- Never leave the laptop unattended
Checkout & Return
Current Students, Faculty and Staff with a valid OneCard / SF State ID can check out a laptop from the:
- Media Access Center (3rd floor)
Return laptops to the Media Access Center. Do not return to the Book Checkout counter or leave in the book return slot.
Note: you will need to know your SF State Email account and password to connect to the Internet and to print.
Use Policies
- As of Fall 2006, laptops may now be used anywhere on campus.
- You can use a laptop for up to 4 hours, but it must be returned no later than 1 hour before the Media Access Center closes. See Library Hours.
- Laptops are available on a first come, first served basis. They cannot be reserved ahead of time.
- If you have unpaid fines on your Library Account, then you may not be able to check out a laptop.
Laptop Features
- Wireless Internet access
- Search Library Catalog and Electronic Resources
- Web browsers: IE, Firefox
- Software, including MS Office: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access
- Network Printing (with OneCard or Guest Card)
Wireless Access in the Library
Wireless Internet access is available in most parts of the Library. Coverage is generally good in the study areas (wherever there are tables and chairs) and poor in the stack areas, where books are shelved. Please report any connectivity problems to libweb@sfsu.edu.
To login to the wireless network:
- Open a web browser (IE or Firefox)
- Enter your user ID. This is your SF State email address up to the @ symbol (jstudent NOT jstudent@sfsu.edu)
- Enter your email password
For more information, read the DoIT Help Desk SF State Wireless Network page
Printing
To print from the laptops you must know your SF State email address and password, and have sufficient value on your OneCard/SF State ID or Guest Card.
Printing Instructions:
- Connect to the wireless network (see above)
- Send your print job to the printer (from anywhere in the Library)
- Go to the print release station in the MAC Computer Lab on the 3rd floor to release your print job
- Pick up your print job from the MAC Computer Lab desk
Saving your Work
Using an external storage device is highly recommended (i.e. USB flash memory stick).
A file can temporarily be stored on the laptop's desktop, but ALL FILES SAVED WILL BE ERASED when the laptop is shutdown or restarted, even if the computer is accidentally turned off, or the system is forced to reboot due to a hardware or software error!
Save or print your work before shutting down. The MAC Lab cannot retrieve lost files from the laptop.
Fees & Fines
Lost/Stolen/Damaged Laptops
You are responsible for the full replacement cost of up to $2,000 if the laptop is lost, stolen or damaged. Never leave the laptop unattended.
Late Returns
Returning the laptop after it is due will result in a late fees of $2.50 per hour, or any fraction thereof, up to $25.00 per day.
Unpaid fees or fines will prevent you from registering for classes and could delay or prevent you from graduating.
Failure to Return
If you have not returned the laptop before the Library closes, you should keep the laptop in your possession and return it first thing the following morning to the Media Access Center. You will be charged a $25.00 late return fee in addition to any hourly fine incurred. Under no circumstances should the laptop be left unattended in the Library after closing.
Getting Help
For help using the laptops, call or stop by the MAC Computer Lab on the 3rd floor of the Library (415-338-2991).
If you have problems with the laptop, return it immediately to the Media Access Center or MAC Lab.
