Bringing them in and checking them out: Laptop use in the modern academic library

Laptop computers provide unsurpassed flexibility and convenience for students in the modern academic environment. Many libraries, including the University of Nevada--Las Vegas's (UNLV) Lied Library, allow students to bring in their own laptops or check out library-owned laptops and connect to the institution's high-speed network. While offering unsurpassed convenience, laptop use must be tempered with appropriate authentication, security, and additional procedural policies to ensure that such privileges are not abused. In addition, libraries must be prepared to accommodate financial and staff-time costs associated with such programs. ********** A hot new trend initiated by many academic libraries is allowing patrons to use laptops connected to the library's network. Modern libraries are often wired in many places, and older libraries have the option to add additional wiring or to investigate wireless solutions. This allows patrons to use a computer within quiet study rooms or while relaxing on lounge furniture. Since the opening of UNLV's Lied Library in January 2001, students have had the option to bring in their own laptops and take advantage of the library's fast network connection, using their own laptops with their own programs and personal setups with which they are familiar. Similarly, Lied Library began circulating library-owned laptops to students beginning in fall 2001. From the start, the new 300,000-square-foot main Lied Library was designed and built to accommodate thousands of PCs. Data and power connections are integrated directly into both tables and carrels, and in the future, laptop connections will be activated within the floors near lounge chairs. Such flexibility allows users to bring in their laptops and plug in basically anywhere. Regardless of who owns the laptop--the student or the library--there are numerous issues and policy decisions that should be made prior to implementing such a program. For students bringing in their own units, a major issue is authentication to the library network. For those checking out laptops, issues include check-out policies, return polices, and damage assessment. This article looks at how the UNLV libraries are offering both of these services, as well as providing a summary analysis of how selected other libraries are offering similar services. * The LINAS System: Patrons Bringing in Their Own Laptops A system allowing students to bring in their personal laptops and connect to the library's network was in place when Lied Library opened in January 2001. This was later expanded to also include the Architecture Studies branch library. Many issues affecting library-owned laptops are not relevant with personal laptops as there are no circulation parameters, damage assessments, or fine rates to determine. However, authentication and security are major concerns. By making available its network resources to patrons, the library inherits a certain amount of responsibility. As university policy and common sense dictate, all users must authenticate each time prior to gaining access to the library's network. A range of options exist and different institutions take various approaches with authentication. UNLV wanted a straightforward system, easy to maintain, that would not require the need to install special software on the patron's laptop. When library staff controls the network hardware provided to the patron, appropriate system-enforced policies provide a level of security. For instance, the library can ameliorate the risk of a user executing malicious software against remote targets or abusing legitimate software (such as configuring a rogue file-transfer protocol (FTP) server with the intent to illegally distribute software without appropriate licensing). By allowing patrons to use their own laptops for network access, the library surrenders this ability to prevent the use of malicious software, or the abuse of legitimate software. …