Library offers laptop check-out

Students without computers may have reason to celebrate. There is now an option to check out laptop computers at the Miller Center.

The computers were purchased as part of the student technology fee that students pay along with tuition.

The portable computers can be checked out for the duration of a three-day period. Students can then use the computers in the comfort of home or just about anywhere else.

In total, there are 12 laptops. They have been available to SCSU students since the beginning of the semester.

The machines can be checked out at the circulation desk in Miller Learning Resources Center. An SCSU ID card is the only requirement.

However, if the laptops are returned late, there is a $10 late fee per day. After five late days, students will be billed for the computer. To ensure that the computers are returned, students must sign a checkout policy.

The computers are distributed on a first come, first serve basis. If there are none available, students can place their name on a waiting list for the next available period.

There are nine Microsoft Windows-based PC computers and three Macintosh computers.

As for software, they feature several standard programs that are needed for many college classes including Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and an Internet browser.

Randy Kolb, director of computing and technology user services, said the computers should be a great asset to students.

"If they start to become heavily used, we can always invest in more," he said. "I encourage students to use these computers."

Melinda Dermody, of technology services, said the computers should come in handy to students that would like to work out of the library.

"It's a wonderful resource," she said. "Each laptop includes a modem and Internet capability, it also has a floppy drive."

Investment in more laptops is possible, she added.

"Statistics are being kept to determine future needs (of laptops)," Dermody said.

Sophomore Tami Lillesve said she thought that laptops were handy, but are a high-risk theft item.

"I think it's a good opportunity for people that need computers and don't have them," she said. "But, it seems like the university could be taking a risk in renting out such expensive technology."

Myles Slavin, also a sophomore, believed the laptops were excessive. He said there are already enough computers on campus and at the library.

"It's a waste of money," he said. "If students want to study, they should go to the library and use the computers already provided."

Junior Trevor Hills agreed. Plus, he said, there aren't enough laptops to fairly distribute to the huge SCSU student population.

"Twelve kids out of 16,000 -- that doesn't really add up," Hills said.

---

To check out one of the 12 computers, head to the circulation desk in the Miller Center.