Laptops for Check Out

The UC Merced Library Loaner Laptop Program has a limited number of laptops available to support the use of Library resources by UC Merced faculty, students, and staff.

The Library loans Gateway© Tablet computers that are equipped with afull suite of productivity software applications and hardware accessories. Loaner Laptops are configured for both wireless and cableaccess to the UC Merced network throughout the Library.

Rules

UC Merced faculty, students and staff can check out loaner laptops for 4 hours of use in the Library. You may renew a loaner laptop for an additional 4 hours if no other users are waiting. Renewals cease 2  hours prior to the scheduled Library closing time.

Advanced reservations are not available for laptops. Laptops areloaned on a first come, first served basis. When all laptops are in  use, you may place a hold for the next available laptop. You may borrow only one laptop at a time

You are responsible for making sure the laptop is not damaged, lost, or stolen while it is checked out to you.

Laptops may not be borrowed overnight or removed from the Library.Laptop borrowing ceases 2 hours prior to the scheduled Library closing time and all laptops are due one half hour prior to the scheduled Library closing time.

If you are late returning a laptop, your ability to borrow is blocked immediately, fees may be assessed, and loss of laptop borrowing privileges may result.

Overdue Laptops, Suspension of Borrowing Privileges, and Fees

• If you do not return laptop by the time it is due, your borrowing privileges will be suspended until the laptop is returned.
• Habitual overdues or other violations of laptop rules are penalized as follows:
  • Three or more overdues will result in suspension of privileges for the remainder of the current semester.
  • Failure to return a laptop the same day that it is borrowed will result in suspension of privileges for the remainder of the current semester.
  • If a bill is issued, privileges will be suspended for the remainder of the current semester and one additional semester.

Warningletters are issued each semester to habitual offenders.

• If a laptop is left unattended, it will be retrieved by Library staff and laptop borrowing privileges will be suspended for the remainder of the current semester and one additional semester.
• If a laptop is kept overnight or is overdue more than 24 hours overdue, you will be billed $2025.00 for its replacement.  This amount represents the replacement cost of the item plus a processing fee of $25.
• When a laptop is returned after the bill is issued, the charge for the replacement cost will be cancelled. However, the processing fee of $25 not be waived.
• The Library will reinstate borrowing privileges when overdue items have been returned and when all fees have been paid.
• The Library may refer outstanding charges to a collection agency after 30 days. Other penalties, such as a block that prohibits registration for classes, may be applied by the University.
• Other laptop borrowing policy violations will be handled on a case by case basis.

• For more information, contact the Library Services Desk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Additional Information

The Library supplies an AC power adapter with each laptop, and we recommend that you use it at all times. Battery power is not always reliable.

The hard drive on each loaner laptop is re-imagedwhen it is rebooted. Anything you save to the hard drive will be lost.Save your data often to removable media (we recommend using a USB flash memory stick) or the network.

You are responsible for any violations of the UC Merced Computer & Network Use Policy and all other applicable UC policies, State or Federal laws or contractual agreements.

A CatCard is required at check in and checkout. A laptop cannot bechecked out for someone else. Likewise, the CatCard must belong to theperson checking out the laptop.

If you are not UC Merced faculty, student, or staff, you cannotcheck out a loaner laptop. The Library provides a limited number of public-access desktop computers are available on a first come, first served basis.

Accessories Included:

• A/C power adapter
• Digitizer pen/stylus
• USB mouse
• Laptop carrying case

• Headsets and network cables are available upon request.

Image of the University of California, Merced courtesy of Hans Marsen.