Technology Checkouts

Purpose: Equal Access to Internet and Technology

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.

General Policies

• 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 front desk; please do not use the outside book drop when the library is closed. 
• Save & delete your content; 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, as well as overdue fees; 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. 

Dell Laptops and Cords

Laptop Policies

• 3 day loan period for Dell Latitude 3510 Laptops
• Overdue fines: $10/day
• Anyone with an MSU ID  (CatCard) can check out a Laptop
• 1 laptop 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: $1,050
  • 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.

iPads

 iPad Policies 

• 3 day loan period for all iPads
• Overdue fines: $10/day
• 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.

Hot Spots

Borrow the Internet! Wi-Fi Hot Spots are small devices that provide Internet access via cellular signal (access 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.

• Providers:
  • T-Mobile Alcaltel: 3 hot spots
  • Verizon MiFi: 14 hot spots
    

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.
• Overdue fines: $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.
• We are also collecting data on hot spot usage.

GoPros

GoPro Policies 

• 3 day loan period for all cameras and accessories
• Overdue fines:
  • Cameras: $10/day
  • Accessories: $2/day 
• 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.

Cameras and Projectors

Calculators

Miscellaneous Computer Stuff

Adapter, Cables, and Cords

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. 

Virtual Discovery (VR equipment)

Please Note: VR equipment is checked out at the Library Service Desk. However, service desk staff only provide 5-10 minutes of very basic support for the equipment and its use. Users needing training or more in-depth assistance will need to schedule a time to work 1-1 with someone, or, can complete some self-guided learning. Read more about how to do this at the Virtual Discovery Space webpage.

Virtual Discovery Policies 

• 4-hour loan period for all VR and Virtual Discovery Equipment
• Overdue fines:
  • VR Equipment: $10/day
  • Batteries: $2/day  
  • Virtual Discovery Keyboard and Mouse: $2/day
• Anyone with an MSU ID (CatCard) can check out VR and Virtual Discovery equipment 
• 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. 
• VR Headset Kit replacement cost: $1,665 
• VR Battery replacement cost: $70 
• 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. 

Sound Equipment

Old School

Citizen Science Kits

The MSU Library is partnering with the MSU Science Math Resource Center to provide Citizen Science kits to all MSU Library users, including community borrowers.

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, hosting events, and collaborating with their communities to enable participation in citizen science. The kits below were selected and procured by MSU's Science Math Resource Center using funds from an NSF EPSCoR grant.