University of Alabama students, faculty and staff requiring a portable computer for an extended period of time need not worry.
Patrons can now check out laptops for 72 hours from UA libraries free of charge. The devices are available for checkout from Angelo Bruno Business Library, Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, McLure Education Library or Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering.
To check out a laptop, patrons must have a valid UA Action Card. No alternate form of ID will be accepted, and laptops are not allowed to be checked out on behalf of other individuals, campus groups, units or departments.
Laptops are available at the circulation desks of each library. They will circulate for 72 hours and may not be renewed. If there is no waiting list, patrons may check out another laptop after returning the first one. The device remains checked out until all accessories – chargers, bag, etc. – are returned.
Late fees are $5 per hour, and the maximum fine is $200. There is no grace period. Any laptop that is 24 hours overdue will be declared lost and patrons will receive a total charge of $1,510. That figure includes a $1,300 lost fee, $200 fine and $10 processing charge, but if the laptop is returned in acceptable condition, the $1,300 lost charge may be forgiven.
Dell laptops and Chromebooks are available at all four libraries, while MacBooks are available exclusively at Gorgas and Rodgers Libraries.