Laptop FAQ: Home

• Laptops can be borrowed at the first floor Circulation Desk in the Edmon Low Library. Please bring your OSU ID.
• You will need to fill out a Statement of Responsibility to check out laptops.

What kind of devices are available?

• 150 Dell laptops
• 50 Microsoft Surfaces
• 30 Macbook Pro’s
• 30 Macbook Air’s
• Chargers and peripherals for all of the above

How long can I borrow a laptop?

• The checkout period is 5 hours.

Can I renew a laptop?

• Yes*, for an additional 5 hours.  Call 744-6812 to renew by phone or renew in person.
• *If we are on a waiting list for laptops you will not be allowed to renew and you must return your device to the circulation desk.

Are there fines?

• Laptop overdue fines are $.50/minute or $30/hour.
• See the Statement of Responsibility.

When I'm finished with the laptop, can I just put it on the Circulation Desk and leave?

• Absolutely not.  You are responsible for returning your items directly to a library staff member and ensuring that they are checked back in properly. 
• You must wait in line to return a laptop, otherwise you will accrue an “Abandoned” strike on your record. 
• Repeat offenders will be banned from laptop checkout for the remainder of the year.

Can I print out my work?

• Yes, there are printers for the laptops opposite the laptop circulation desk on the first floor.

Why does it take so long to check a laptop out or in?

• When the Circulation staff checks a laptop out to you, they record information that is important for solving problems and identifying correct fines. However, it generally takes less than a minute to check out a laptop.
• When the laptop is returned, the staff does a quick check for damage or missing pieces.  It is important to us that every user gets a laptop in good working order, and that if a user is charged for damage or loss, it is the correct user!  You can shorten the check-in time if you shut down the device and wrap up any cables you may have checked out.

Will I be able to install my own software?

• Yes, you can install software, but only on the Dell Laptops and it will be deleted when the laptop is turned off.

Can I take the Laptop out of the Library?

• Yes, the laptops can be taken out of the library and will connect to the Wi-Fi everywhere on campus.

How do I access my H:\ drive?

• IT offers the following instructions to connect to your H:\ drive.
• For more help with your User ID or Password, contact the IT Help Desk at (405) 744-HELP (4357).
• You can contact the Online IT Help Desk.

What do I do if the battery runs low?

• If your battery runs low, save your work to an external drive (not the hard drive!!), bring the laptop to the Circulation Desk on first floor and we can check out a power cord for your specific device.
• If you know you are going to be working for several hours, you might consider checking out a power cord at the time you borrow the laptop. If you plug the laptop into the wall, you won't have to worry about a dying battery.