[OPLINTECH] [OPLINLIST] Laptops for patrons to borrow in the library

[Sam Lewis]

We have one lending station from LaptopsAnytime<https://www.laptopsanytime.com/>. We initially had it outfitted in 2017 with 12 laptops, but in 2022 swapped it out for a unit of 6 laptops + 12 portable batteries.

The laptops check out from the ILS (Polaris) when they are ejected from the machine. The machine also snaps a photograph of the patron when they check out the laptop. They are for use in-library only. They have 2-hour sessions in MyPC and are outfitted similarly as our patron desktops with:


  *   Windows 10 (moving to Windows 11 this year…)
  *   Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge (built-in))
  *   TypeFaster
  *   Audacity
  *   Microsoft Office 2021 (will move to 2024 with Windows 11)
  *   DeepFreeze

In addition to the standard loadout, we also install and maintain Prey<https://preyproject.com/> for tracking their location. We use the Prey API to make sure the laptops check in regularly – occasionally a patron will turn off the laptop when returning it and we need to eject it and turn it back on so it connects.

Sam Lewis
Systems Administrator
www.worthingtonlibraries.org<http://www.worthingtonlibraries.org/>
Worthington Libraries | 820 High Street | Worthington, Ohio 43085
P: 614.807.2619 | F: 614.807.2629
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From: OPLINLIST <oplinlist-bounces at lists.oplin.org> On Behalf Of Eric Place via OPLINLIST
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2025 14:07
To: oplinlist at lists.oplin.org; oplintech at lists.oplin.org
Subject: Re: [OPLINLIST] Laptops for patrons to borrow in the library

Hi,

If your library checks out laptops for in-library use, how long do you let the patron borrow it for, 2 or 3 hours?

What is your procedure? Do they have to sign an agreement?

Do you use Scalefusion (https://scalefusion.com/), Deep Freeze (https://www.faronics.com/), Reboot Rx (https://rebootrx.org/), or something similar to track the laptop's location and protect against viruses?

What free software do you have pre-installed or would you recommend?


  *   Adobe Acrobat
  *   Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer)
  *   TypeFaster Typing Tutor
  *   Audacity
  *   GIMP
  *   Google Earth
  *   Magnify, Windows' magnification program
  *   LibreOffice
  *   Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Publisher, etc.)
  *   Windows Media Player

Thank you,
Eric Place, Guiding Ohio Online Trainer

St. Marys Community Public Library
140 South Chestnut St.
Saint Marys, OH  45885
Phone: 419-394-7471
Email: EPlace at seolibraries.org<mailto:Eplace at seolibraries.org>

https://smcpl.org<http://smcpl.org/>

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