abandon library computer labs for laptop check-out system? (fwd)

[Roy Tennant]

Forwarded on behalf of Alisa Whitt <whitta at cofc.edu>, please do not
respond to me. Thanks,
Roy 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 1999 16:08:01 -0500
From: Alisa Whitt <whitta at cofc.edu>
Subject: abandon library computer labs for laptop check-out system?

Please pardon cross-posting.  I am not a member of this list so please send
replies directly to me.

Here at the College of Charleston (S.C.), we are planning a new library
building for 2001/2002. As planned, every seat in the building will be wired
to accommodate patrons and their portable computers.  Initially we planned
to build traditional computer labs to accommodate 120 - 150 students; this
is basically what we have now and the lab is always full.

We are considering eliminating or drastically reducing the size of this lab
by offering laptops to "card carrying" patrons for check-out.  Has anyone
tried this?  What were the results?  What did you do about maintaining the
laptops?  Checking them out?  Security?

Thanks in advance for any observations or ideas you can offer.  Again,
please reply directly to me.

Alis
--
Alisa Whitt                    Academic Computing Specialist Coordinator
(843) 953-7998 voice           College of Charleston, SC 29424
(843) 953-2461 fax             whitta at cofc.edu