Mobile Computing Lending Program (MCLP)

MCLP FAQ

The Mobile Computing Lending Program (MCLP) is designed to enhance the UMD community’s access to computer and network resources. This program provides equipment and support services for accessing the new UMD wireless network. The laptops, projectors, and the wireless local area network (WLAN) acquired (and installed) as part of this program represent a significant investment in equipment. Equally significant is the staff time and effort spent in developing and providing this service. Your respect for the equipment, the staff, and the rights of other patrons of this service will be greatly appreciated.

Q: I heard you are lending out laptops and projectors?
A: Yes, we do. Our laptops include wireless network cards and can connect to the UMD campus network if you are in a designated wireless network area (see: "Campus Map for Wireless Access Areas (PDF) ).. The pilot project is a coordinated effort of the LSIRT (Library Services, Information Resources and Technology) division.

Q: Who can check-out this equipment and where is it located?
A: The MCLP equipment is available for UMD Students, Faculty and Staff with a VALID up-to-date UMass Pass. Your UMass Pass must also have a library barcode on it, and your university status must also be current in the UMD Library online circulation system. If you have any blocks on your library record, you will not be able to borrow MCLP equipment until the blocks are cleared. Special Borrowers, alumni, and visiting scholars are not eligible. This equipment is located at the first floor Library Access Services Circulation desk.

Q: What do I have to do to borrow this equipment?
A: To check-out MCLP equipment, you must sign a Check-out Form stating that you have read the policies and procedures for borrowing this equipment and that you agree to abide by them. It requires that you agree to be responsible for the equipment while it is checked-out to you. There is also a short equipment check procedure to briefly show you how it works, and that it is all in good working order before you “sign it out” and become responsible for it.

Similarly, when you bring it back there is also a brief check-in procedure to make sure everything is in good working order. Remember to save your work before checking it back in, as all hard-drives are restored back to their original state upon return. (All files left on the device will be deleted immediately upon checking it in to prepare it for the next user.)

Q: When can they be used?
A: Laptops/Projectors start circulating as soon as the Library opens and must be returned 1 hour before the Library closes. (See Library Hours:)

Q: What is the latest I can check-out a laptop/projector?
A: Except for Friday, two (2) hours before closing.

Q: How long can they be checked out and can they be renewed?
A: Laptops/projectors can be checked-out for up to 4 hours and may be renewed only if there are other laptops/handhelds available for other patrons.

Q: Can the laptops/projectors be reserved?
A: Reservations can be made in advance or by walk-in check-out if they are available for the period requested. Multiple reservations at once will not be accepted.

Equipment availability cannot be guaranteed even if it is reserved ahead of time. The MCLP program is a lending program that relies on other MCLP users to return equipment within their allotted time and in good working order. Sometimes this may not occur.

Q: Can I check-out MCLP equipment if I have library overdues?
A: Generally the equipment can not be checked-out by a patron that already has overdue materials or that owe fines. Reservations cannot be made if equipment is overdue or lost. Other blocks such as materials declared lost and billed to patron will also restrict a patron’s ability to make a reservation.

Q: What if I bring it back late, break it or lose it?
A: Fines and charges will be assessed according to the following (the University reserves the right to change the fee structure and policies listed here without notice):

• Overdue fines are automatically charged to the patron’s library record.
• MCLP equipment begins to accrue fines at the rate of $2.50 per 15 minutes and $10.00 per hour overdue to a maximum of the cost of the equipment plus processing fees.
• There is a replacement charge plus a processing fee for damage to or the loss of the MCLP equipment or the peripherals issued up to the replacement cost for the item(s).
• If the MCLP equipment or its peripherals are damaged, or if parts are missing, your library borrowing privileges will be suspended and you will be charged for the repair or replacement of the MCLP equipment.

Note: Remember, this MCLP check-out is a privilege that can be revoked if the agreed to rules are not followed or time limits are too often abused. The University reserves the right to deny check-out privileges indefinitely based on your actions in regards to the policies and guidelines. You are responsible for the equipment according to the policies listed on the check-out document you sign

Q: Where can the laptops/projectors be used?
A: Laptops/Projectors are available for use on the UMass Dartmouth main and satellite campuses only. To identify locations where the wireless network can be accessed, please use this: "Campus Map for Wireless Access Areas (PDF) ."

Q: May the laptops/projectors be taken off the sites listed above for presentations or work?
A: The laptops are available only on the sites listed above. They are not for “off-site” use regardless of the purpose.

Q: Can I load my own programs on the laptop?
A: No. the laptops are secured to prohibit the loading of any additional programs or files.

Q: What if I need further help?
A: You are expected to be self-directed in your use of the MCLP equipment. It is assumed that you will be familiar with the Windows platform, with the MS Office suite and with the other programs that will be loaded as part of the basic package.

• For help with software, etc start with the CITS - Student & Faculty Getting Started Guide
• Help with the use of online library databases, eResources, ILL and other services is available at the Reference desk on the 2nd floor of the library (508-999-8680).
• For help with WebCT use the WebCT Help Request Form or call Instructional Development (508-999-8501) or email idteam@umassd.edu.
• For additional questions about the laptop service use contact the MCLP central location listed below.

Q: Who’s responsible for this equipment after I check it out?
A: The individual who reads the documents and signs the check-out forms is responsible for full replacement costs and any charges for damages to the MCLP equipment should they occur. The equipment, once checked-out, becomes the total responsibility of the patron checking it out and therefore care should be used while it is in your possession. It should NEVER be left unattended even for a few moments. Portable equipment is an easy target for theft.

Q: What else should I know about?
A: Remember, all files will probably be immediately erased on any laptop or handheld upon its return. However, if by chance the files are not immediately deleted, the equipment may be rechecked out to another user who might access the files that you left. So you should make sure you removing all your files for safe keeping.

Similarly, the MCLP is not responsible any files, graphics or programs left by other users on a piece of equipment that you might check-out. We'll try our best, but in our rush to get things out to the next user waiting, things could slip by.

Also, the MCLP program is not responsible for any computer “viruses” or other such programs or macros that might be transferred from MCLP equipment to a users file/equipment. So make sure your personal equipment/software checks for these things when you transfer your files back onto your own equipment.

Q: Who is in charge of this program and who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?
A: The Mobile Computing Lending Program (MCLP) is a pilot project developed through the coordinated efforts of the LSIRT (Library Services, Information Resources and Technology) division. There are many staff members and areas responsible for “making this happen.” To ease your use of the program, we’ve created a central point of contact:

Location: Circulation Desk on the first floor of the library
Telephone: 508-999-8856
EMail: MCLP@umassd.edu