[Publib] Laptop checkout security

[Andrea Berstler]

Karen,
We are a rather small library, but also busy. There are several ways to
leave the library without the staff seeing you and we do not have a security
system. We check out laptops and not only require a valid, gov issued photo
ID (which we check) but we hold that ID until the computer and cord come
back to the desk. It was the only way we could think of to insure that we
have a good chance of getting the thing back. 

We provide a power cord for each laptop, but that is it. we have not decided
if a mouse would be too much of a temptation.  Patrons can print to the
public printer behind the circ desk. 
Also - we have Deep Freeze installed on all public computers - even the
laptops. So if someone takes it, every time they turn it off they lose
everything on there, but the programming we installed. We have our info
engraved on the laptops to raise the odds of it's return if stolen and
recovered. 
To prevent all day use, we also have them in our timer program - we allow 1
hour for laptops. The library director has the ability to extend that time
at her discretion. 

I do, however, LOVE your idea of the wallpaper that says "HI, I'M FROM THE
LIBRARY" and think that if we could have Barry Manilow or perhaps David
Cassidy begin singing when their time is up would encourage them to quickly
return the laptops to the desk.  

I did not see leaving ID as a big issue. When I had small kids, I had to
give my license to the mall office to rent a stroller. I don't think holding
something valuable to the patron in order to encourage them to return
something valuable to you is asking too much. When I borrow a laptop from
the college where I am currently taking classes, I check it out on my
student ID. It is tagged so that you cannot leave the building without
setting off the alarm and I had to sign an agreement the first time I
borrowed it that I would  return it and not break it (written in legalize).
They have each laptop bar-coded, so if you don't return it, they will find
out. :o) 

Hope this helps. 


-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of K.G. Schneider
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 8:34 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org; web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Laptop checkout security

For those of you with laptop checkout programs, what security systems are
you using to help minimize theft? We are big enough and busy enough that
relying on good faith or vigilant employees is not adequate. 

Some of the answers I've come up with online:

... Computrace (makes sense)
... Requiring ID (well, duh)
... Requiring second ID (hmmm...)
... Taking ID (not sure we can do this)
... Steep fines for late returns (seem reasonable) ... Labeling the laptops
(can't hurt) ... Stockades (deterrence through public humiliation)

O.k., maybe I made up the part about stockades. The idea of labeling the
laptops makes me grin a little... huge lettering that said HI, I'M FROM THE
LIBRARY could deter at least a spontaneous thief. Maybe add stick-ons with
fluffy kittens or featuring Barry Manilow. 

I'm not worried about what's ON the laptop, in terms of tampering-we would
re-ghost machines on return. (Right, I don't need to be worried?)
Peripherals would be checked out separately (I think...). In terms of wear
and tear, we'd assume it would be pretty heavy, and per the online guidance,
buy extra batteries and maybe some extra power cords. 

I'd assume some attrition; it's a checkout program, we want the equipment to
be used, stuff happens. (As it sayeth in the Good Book, laptops go and come,
but earth abides.) I just would like to see most if not all of the laptops
return after the first day. ;-)

Thanks in advance,

Karen G. Schneider
Acting Associate Director of Libraries for Technology & Research Florida
State University
Email/AIM: kschneider at mailer.fsu.edu
Blog: http://quodvide.wordpress.com
Phone: 850-644-5214
Cell: 850-590-3370



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