by: Michelle Barnhart
Parkland College’s library offers a wide variety of resources to patrons, including books, textbooks, and online databases for research. But one especially cool advantage of the library is that students have access to loanable technology.
Available technology ranges from Chromebooks, to calculators, to phone chargers, to recording equipment. The loan period, or amount of time for which you are allowed to borrow the equipment, depends on what you are checking out, as does whether or not you are allowed to take the equipment outside of the library. Possibility for renewal also depends on the equipment. A complete list of available technology can be found on the Parkland College Library website, along with loan periods, renewal information, and whether access is allowed outside of the library.
Jing Shi, an access services librarian who oversees the Main Desk and is heavily involved in the loaning process, believes students are adequately taking advantage of loaning opportunities.
“We have different kinds of technology,” she said. “To satisfy our student needs for learning, we constantly explore the trends of new technology and collect new devices.” Shi added that the library is always examining and modifying their loan policy to make it easier for students to borrow items. By staying up to date, the library aims to meet the needs of all students.
“To satisfy our students’ needs for learning, we constantly explore the trends of new technology and collect new devices”
Shi explained that the main purpose of the loanable technology service is to “provide support services to enhance students’ learning experience.” She said they aim to support students through the use and exploration of new technology and to allow those who do not own specific devices to experiment and familiarize themselves with them.
According to Shi, Chromebooks are one of the most popular loans. She reasoned that not only are they easier to carry and use, but they are designed to use Google accounts which “centralize students’ academic tasks as much as possible.”
Notes, assignments and projects can easily be stored in the cloud, making Chromebooks a convenient choice for students, especially those who may not have substantial or any computer access at home. Additionally, laptops, iPads, and Kindles are available. Internet connection is provided through Parkland’s wireless network. MiFi mobile hotspots, which can provide Internet access for up to ten devices, were also recently made available for checkout.
As stated on the library website, technology is available on a first come, first serve basis. Reserving equipment is not allowed. Equipment is available for checkout on the first day of classes; however, iPads and Chromebooks may not be checked out within one week before the semester ends. To check out the equipment, patrons should visit the Main Desk.
Before checkout, a few conditions must be met. Patrons must be a Parkland College employee or student. Both a Parkland ID and a valid driver’s license or state ID must be presented, along with a current phone number. Lastly, patrons who wish to borrow technology must sign the Loanable Technology Borrower Agreement once per semester. The agreement states that patrons are responsible for any equipment they check out, meaning they must take care of replacement costs if equipment is damaged, lost, or stolen, and that they are responsible for returning equipment to the Main Desk on time.
Any overdue equipment or fines will result in an inability to check out further items until the equipment is returned and fines are paid. Specific fees and additional consequences are listed on the library website.
When asked if there is anything else she would like students to know about the loanable technology, Shi said to keep using the services, return items on time, and let library staff know if you have any questions or experience trouble with any devices.
To lean more about the loan policy or view the available selection, click here.
