[BULK] [Web4lib] Laptop checkout security

[Hester, Mary]

Our laptops just go out short periods of time (half day maximum).  The
students leave their student ID cards with us (this is also their meal
card).  If they don't have their ID they have to leave 'something
valuable'. We have kept a variety of things: dorm keys, driver's
license, credit card. We are small enough that we know our students, so
we know if the ID or driver's license is really belongs to that person. 

We may decide on longer check outs in the future so the latest laptops
do have GPS locators. We will probably require a security deposit as
well.

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of K.G. Schneider
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 7:34 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org; web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: [BULK] [Web4lib] Laptop checkout security
Importance: Low

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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