Library Policies

This program provides students with a laptop computer for short periods of time if their own equipment is unavailable. The Jacksonville University technology requirement is applicable to laptop borrowers.

Currently enrolled Jacksonville University students and graduate students, as well as faculty (including faculty emeritus) and staff, may check out laptop computers from the Swisher Library. Laptop loan is a privilege that will be revoked if the service is abused or if borrower has an unresolved library hold for a lost laptop on their JU account.

• Laptops (and accompanying power adapter/charger) are loaned at the Swisher Library circulation desk.
• Laptop due dates are set for 30 days from the date checked out or the end of the term in which it was checked out, whichever is sooner.
• Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Term dates are posted on JU's academic calendar.

• Laptops are not eligible for renewal; however, for situations in which borrowers need the equipment beyond the last day of classes for the term, they may be granted a due date extension.
• Due Date Extensions - Contact the Circulation Services Manager or Access Services Librarian about due date extension requests.

Laptops are checked out at the Swisher Library Circulation Desk. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes and involves 3 steps:

1. The Borrower's Agreement form is completed by library staff and borrower online.
2. Check-out of the laptop and an adapter/charger/cord at the Circulation Desk.
3. The Digital Literacy Lab (part of the Academic Technology department) sets up initial borrower access. Library staff will direct the borrower to bring the checked-out equipment upstairs on the 3rd floor of the Swisher Library.

Digital Literacy Lab

Initial Setup
In coordination with the Digital Literacy Lab’s operating hours, laptop check-out is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays (hours are subject to change during holidays and holidays breaks).

Software
Borrowers must visit the Digital Literacy Lab for software installations or software issues of any kind. Downloading programs on laptops requires administrative permissions of Academic Technology or I.T. Borrowers should consult with the Digital Literacy Lab about software requirements for courses.

• Laptops must be returned to the Swisher Library Circulation Desk, for check-in by a library staff member, during posted hours of operation.
• The borrower to whom the equipment is checked out is responsible for its return.

• Borrowers can reserve laptops online by placing a hold in the Swisher Library's online catalog (must be logged in to library account to place a hold). 
• Pickup Deadline - Holds are cancelled if not picked up within 24 business hours (open hours of the JU Swisher Library and Digital Literacy Lab).
• Identification - Borrower must present their JU ID at check-out when picking up reserved laptop.

• The laptop late fine is $5.00 per day overdue, up to $25.00; late fines are recorded on the borrower’s library record and may result in borrowing restrictions until resolved.
• Lost Laptop Fee - laptops that are not returned are considered lost and library fines and fees policy is applied. For lost laptops, a borrower will be charged for the cost of the laptop and power adapter/charger in the amount of $750.00 until the equipment is returned to the Swisher Library or the billed replacement cost is paid. A laptop is considered lost on the last day of finals week of the current term or 30 days past due (whichever comes first).
• Lost Power Adapter - If the laptop is returned without a power adapter/charger/cord, a late fee of $5.00 per day (up to $25.00) will be charged to the borrower for the missing adapter. If the adapter is not returned, the borrower will be charged a lost fee of $75.00 until the equipment is returned to the Swisher Library or the billed replacement cost is paid.

• Lost laptops are recorded on the borrower’s library record and, until the equipment is returned or paid for, delinquent borrowers are subject to library borrowing restrictions as well as holds on course registration.
• Lost item replacement costs are billed to borrower’s Jacksonville University account and subject to Jacksonville University Financial Services Payment policy.
• The library does not collect fines or fees. Payments must be made through the Financial Services Department.

All saved work should be saved to user’s external or cloud drive. User files are cleared when the laptop is returned.