Laptops for loan - Frequently Asked Questions
Availability
To check whether any laptops are presently available for borrowing:
Do a TITLE search in the Library Catalogue for 'laptop'.
Who can borrow a laptop?
All currently registered La Trobe University students and staff may borrow laptops. The first time you borrow a laptop, you will be required to fill out a Borrower Agreement For Loan Of Laptop Form (also available at the Inquiry desk). Laptops will not be lent to borrowers with outstanding Library fines or lost material, etc. No individual may borrow a laptop with the intended purpose of allowing another individual the use of that laptop .
Where do I collect the laptop?
Laptops can be collected at the Inquiry Desk of the Melbourne Campus Library. Bookings must be made beforehand via the library catalogue or telephone.
What is the loan period?
The loan period for laptops is 3 hours .
Can I check if a laptop is available to borrow without coming to the Library?
To check whether any laptops are presently available for borrowing:
Do a TITLE search in the Library Catalogue for laptop.
Can I book a laptop in advance?
Advance bookings of one week for laptops will be accepted via the library catalogue and via telephone (one booking at a time).
What are the fines for late return of the laptop?
A fine for the late return of this item will accrue at $2.50 for any time up to the 1st hour and $1.00 then for each additional hour late.
Who is responsible for theft, damage or loss of the laptop?
You are financially responsible for the laptop and accessories while signed out in your name, as you agreed to when you signed the Borrower Agreement For Loan Of Laptop. Please consult our Laptop Loan Policy for additional information.
Can I renew a laptop?
Laptops may not be renewed.
Where do I return the laptop?
The laptop must be returned in-person to the Inquiry Desk. You will be asked to wait to allow staff to verify that all the pieces are returned before the laptop is discharged from your record. Laptops are due back 15 minutes before the Library closes.
Can personal software and documents be saved on the laptop?
When the laptop is shut-down, all user installed software and files are erased. Please save your documents to a USB Drive or email them to yourself. There is no way to recover your work once the laptop is shut down/restarted.
Can I access the Internet from the laptop?
The laptops are equipped with a wireless access card. The laptop will connect to the Library wireless network automatically. Students will need to enter their username and password to access the network. For more details on how to access the Internet refer to the FAQ Sheet that is supplied with the laptop.
Where can I get information about connecting to the university's wireless network?
Each laptop comes with an instruction sheet for connecting to the wireless network.
What comes with the laptop?
When a laptop is borrowed just the laptop is included. The laptop power cord and adapter will only be issued when laptop is low on charge.
What software and hardware is available on the laptop?
System Software:
- Windows XP
- Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox
- Adobe Reader
- Microsoft Office 2003 (Word, Excel, Access, Publisher and PowerPoint)
- Microsoft Calendar
Hardware:
- CD/DVD player (read only)
- Sound, but only through the headphone socket.
- USB Ports
Can I print from the laptop?
If you are logged on to La Trobe University's wireless network, you may print to the Library's public printers. The print job maybe picked up at any of the print release workstations and will appear under the name of Laptop-01, Laptop-02, etc. Instructions are on the FAQ Sheet with the laptop.
Are there power outlets available in the Library for using the laptop?
Yes there are electrical outlets in the library. Do not unplug library equipment to plug in the laptop. The laptop power cord and adapter will only be issued when laptop is low on charge.
Can I use the laptop on battery power?
Yes but check the battery level by clicking on the battery icon (bottom right of the screen) which indicates the remaining battery life. The laptop power cord and adapter will only be issued when laptop is low on charge.
Why are laptops due back 15 minutes before the Inquiry Desk closes?
We request that laptops be returned 15 minutes before the Desk closes as per library policy.
What if I need help?
We expect you to be familiar with the hardware and software.
Saving your work
You should not save your work to the laptop because as soon as the laptop is switched off, all student files will be automatically erased. To avoid loss of important data, students should regularly save their work to their own memory sticks.