[Web4lib] Laptop checkout security

[Craig, Emory]

Karen,
 
We have both a Student Laptop program for resident students in two of our schools and a fairly extensive library laptop loan program at five campuses for CNR. First of all, you need Computrace or similar software as it is the most effective solution to laptops "having legs." Secondly, we couldn't live with DeepFreeze as it restores a set configuration simply through rebooting the unit. You can always Ghost the laptop again, but rebooting with DeepFreeze is much easier. Labels are probably helpful, but they' won't do much for someone determined to lift a machine (knowing that the police will show up at their door is very effective). My own feeling on oversized labels is that making a machine look ugly will probably encourage people to treat it ugly. Obviously, holding ID cards is a must. Our IT area could also track login records if we ever needed to (if someone left an ID of another student, for ex) but thankfully, we've not had to resort to this. 
 
Hope this helps,
 
-e
 
Emory M. Craig
Director of Academic Computing Services
The College of New Rochelle
New Rochelle, N.Y. 10805
914-654-5536
www.cnr.edu <http://www.cnr.edu/>  


________________________________

From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org on behalf of K.G. Schneider
Sent: Wed 2/7/2007 8:34 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org; web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Web4lib] 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 <http://quodvide.wordpress.com/> 
Phone: 850-644-5214
Cell: 850-590-3370



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