About: The MSU Library understands the importance of equal access to Internet and technology.
The library's technology lending service provides a free option for MSU Students and
employees to borrow a variety of items, including laptops, iPads, and Wi-Fi hot spots.
This service helps support equal access and helps bridge the digital divide by providing
technology to users who do not have access due to affordability, availability, or
additional reasons.
Please note: We lend to individuals only. We do not lend to organizations, units, or departments,
and we are not a fee-based rental service for events. No items can be reserved in
advance. See complete list of policies below.
Length: Devices are available for short-term checkouts only, because the library has a limited
number of items and we try to make items available to as many people as possible to
promote equal access.
Where: You can check out all technology items at the library's Service Desk.
A current MSU ID (CatCard) is required to borrow technologies.
Exception: Headphones may be checked out by community borrowers, who have a Montana Resident Courtesy Borrower Card (but not a CatCard).
High value items will require users to have a signed "Tech Checkout Use Agreement"
form on file each semester. A signature is required before checkout (kept on file
at the Service Desk) acknowledging the user has received, read, understands, and agrees
to abide by all user policies as outlined by the MSU Library.
All items are available on a first come, first served basis. No reservations are taken
for any tech items.
No renewals.
No back-to-back checkouts of the same device. The device must be turned in, and if
another identical item is needed and available, patron may check out a different device.
Limit: 1 of each item (e.g. each patron may only checkout 1 laptop at a time, 1 iPad
at a time, etc.)
Return inside at the Service Desk. Do not use the outside book drop when the library
is closed.
Save & delete your content from the device (if applicable). The MSU library is not
responsible for deleting or retaining content.
Equipment cannot be used in violation of the law or of Montana State University policies.
All Library materials have replacement costs for lost or damaged items. By borrowing
items from the MSU Library the user is responsible for the replacement value of all
items, and acknowledges that they understand and agree to all policies as outlined
by the Library.
Users will assume a $25.00 processing charge for all damaged or lost items regardless
of whether a replacement fee is assessed or the item is under warranty.
Various device chargers are provided for the convenience of our patrons, and charger
wattage varies. Users assume all risk & liability for damage to any non-library devices
used in conjunction with chargers and other equipment borrowed from the Library.
1 week checkout. $975.99 replacement plus a $25 processing fee. No overdue fines for
students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all other users.
Dell Latitude Power Adapter and Cord
1 week checkout; $45.99 replacement with a $25 processing fee. No overdue fines for
students. $2.00 per day overdue fine for all other users.
HP Power Adapter and Cord
4 hour checkout. $55 replacement with a $25 processing fee. No overdue fines for students.
$2.00 per day overdue fine for all other users.
Dell 65 Watt Power Adapter and Cord
4 hour checkout. $55 replacement with a $25 processing fee. No overdue fines for students.
$2.00 per day overdue fine for all other users.
Dell 90 Watt Charger and Cable (2)
4 hour checkout. $55 replacement with a $25 processing fee. No overdue fines for students.
$2.00 per day overdue fine for all other users.
Laptop Policies
1 week loan period for laptops.
Overdue fines: No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all other users.
Anyone with an MSU ID (CatCard) can check out a laptop.
1 laptop per person limit.
First come, first served (no reservations taken)
No renewals
No back-to-back checkouts of the same device. The device must be turned in, and if
another identical item is needed and available, patron may check out a different device.
Lost, broken or damaged items: User will be charged the replacement cost of the items
plus a $25 processing fee.
Laptop replacement cost: $975.99 plus a $25.00 processing charge for all damaged or
lost items regardless of whether a replacement fee is assessed or the item is under
warranty.
Signature required before checkout (kept on file at the Service Desk) acknowledging
user has received, read, understands, and agrees to abide by all user policies as
outlined by the MSU Library.
3 day checkout. $790 replacement with a $25 processing fee. No overdue fines for students.
$10.00 per day overdue fine for all other users.
iPad Policies
3 day loan period for all iPads
Overdue fines: No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all other users.
Anyone with an MSU ID (CatCard) can check out an iPad
1 iPad limit
First come, first served (no reservations taken)
No renewals
No back-to-back checkouts of the same device. The device must be turned in, and if
another identical item is needed and available, patron may check out a different device.
Lost, broken or damaged items: user will be charged the replacement cost plus a $25
processing fee.
Replacement cost: $750 iPad & case; $40 charger
Users will assume a $25.00 processing charge for all damaged or lost items regardless
of whether a replacement fee is assessed or the item is under warranty.
Signature required before checkout (kept on file at the Service Desk) acknowledging
user has received, read, understands, and agrees to abide by all user policies as
outlined by the MSU Library.
Wi-Fi Hot Spots are small devices that allow for Internet access via cellular signals (data plans
paid for courtesy of the MSU Library). The devices are portable and allow you to connect
your computer, smartphone, or other device to the Internet when a cell signal is present.
Important Tip: These devices do not generate internet access, they piggy-back onto existing celllular
signals. If there is no cell signal, no internet will be provided via the hot spot.
Providers:
T-Mobile Alcaltel: 3 hot spots
Verizon MiFi: 14 hot spots
Item
Policy
Availability
T-Mobile Hot Spot
1 week checkout. $25 processing fee for lost, damaged, or non-returned hot spots PLUS
a $200 replacement fee for the hot spot and a $10.00 replacement fee for the charging
cord. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all other users.
Verizon Hot Spot
1 week checkout. $25 processing fee for lost, damaged, or non-returned hot spots PLUS
a $200 replacement fee for the hot spot and a $10.00 replacement fee for the charging
cord. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all other users.
Hot Spot Policies
Hot spots may be checked out by current MSU students, faculty, and staff using an
MSU ID (Cat Card).
Items are available on a first come, first served basis. No reservations taken.
We do not allow items to be renewed. However, when you return your hot spot, if another
device is available, you may check it out.
1 hot spot limit per user.
No back-to-back checkouts of the same hot spots. Hot Spot must be turned in, inspected
for use and cleanliness prior to returning to circulation.
Overdue fines for all users except students: $10/day and after 3 days hot spot data
will be turned off.
Lost, broken or damaged items: user will be charged the replacement cost for item(s).
Hot spot replacement cost: $200.00
Charging cord replacement cost: $10
Signature required before checkout (kept on file by the library) acknowledging user
has received, read, understands, and agrees to abide by all user policies as outlined
by the MSU Library.
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all
other users.
GoPro HERO11 Camera
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all
other users.
GoPro HERO7 Camera
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all
other users.
GoPro Handler (floating hand grip)
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
GoPro Gumby (flexible mount)
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Wrist Mount
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Suction Cup Mount
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Chest Mount
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Tripod Mount
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Rechargeable Battery
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
GoPro Head Strap
3-day checkout, $2/day fine
GoPro Policies
3 day loan period for all cameras and accessories
Overdue fines:
Cameras: No overdue fines for students. $10 per day overdue fine for all other users.
Accessories: No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other users.
Anyone with an MSU ID (CatCard) can check out a GoPro
1 camera limit, with multiple accessories
First come, first served
No renewals
No back-to-back checkouts of the same device. The device must be turned in, and if
another identical item is needed and available, patron may check out a different device.
Lost, broken or damaged items: user will be charged the replacement cost plus a $25
processing fee.
Camera replacement cost: $350
Signature required before checkout (kept on file at the Service Desk) acknowledging
user has received, read, understands, and agrees to abide by all user policies as
outlined by the MSU Library.
Various device chargers are provided for the convenience of our patrons, and charger
wattage varies; users assume all risk & liability for damage to any non-library devices
used in conjunction with chargers and other equipment borrowed from MSU Library.
Item
Policy
Availability
Apple 30-Pin to USB Cable
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Apple Lightning to Headphone Jack
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Apple Lightning to USB Cable
4-hour checkout, $2/day fine
Apple Lightning to HDMI Adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Apple USB-C Power Adapter and Cable
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Apple MagSafe 2 Power Adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Apple MagSafe Power Adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Apple MagSafe Extension Cord
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Apple USB Power Adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Apple Mini DVI to VGA adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Extension Cord
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
HDMI Cable
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
HDMI to Mini HDMI
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
HDMI to VGA Adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Lenovo Ideapad Power Adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Micro USB Power Adapter & Cable
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Mini Display Port to HDMI Cable
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Network Cable
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Power Banks
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $10 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Surface Pro Charger 44 Watt
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
USB Power Adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other users.
USB-C to USB Adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
USB-C to HDMI & USB-C F
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
USB-C to Ethernet Adapter
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
VGA Cable
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other users.
XLR-XLR Cable (15 ft)
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
XLR Mini Cable (10ft)
3-day checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
A citizen science kit holds everything needed to gather data for a specific citizen science project. Each kit was field-tested by librarians and patrons and includes a printed
activity guide, helpful tips, and any specialized tools or materials needed to complete
the project.
Libraries across the country are circulating citizen science kits and other equipment, hosting events, and collaborating
with their communities to enable participation in citizen science. The kits and other
equipment below were selected and procured by MSU's Science Math Resource Center using
funds from an NSF EPSCoR grant.
Item
Policy
Availability
Citizen Science Kit #1: Dark Skies - Measuring Light in the Night
1-week checkout. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all
other users.
Citizen Science Kit #2: Observing Pollinators
1-weekcheckout. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Citizen Science Kit #3: Exploring Biodiversity
1-weekcheckout. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Citizen Science Kit #4: Water Wonders - EarthEcho Water Challenge & Crowd the Tap
1-weekcheckout. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Citizen Science Kit #5: Test the Waters Family Exploration Kit
1-week checkout. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all
other users.
Celestial Binoculars and Tripod
1-week checkout. No overdue fines for students. $10.00 per day overdue fine for all
other users.
Light Therapy Lamps
According to the Mayo Clinic, a light therapy box mimics outdoor light. It's thought that this type of light may
"cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms
of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), such as being tired most of the time and sleeping
too much.” Recommended daily usage is 15 minutes.
Item
Policy
Availability
Happy Light Touch Plus
Has controls for hue, brightness, and session timer.
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Happy Light Lucent
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Lab Equipment
Item
Policy
Availability
Lab Safety Goggles
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.
Molecular Model Kit
4-hour checkout. No overdue fines for students. $2 per day overdue fine for all other
users.