A community college library I worked for in the past faced similar issues
with Windows laptops and iPads. IT said they couldn't set up laptops to
allow sign-ins to Active Directory accounts, so there was just a generic
login or no login. IT required Deep Freeze, but it would wipe the students'
files if they shut the computer down. Staff spent an inordinate amount of
time re-imaging the machines after they came back. One student somehow
managed to update Windows to a new major version, and all the purchased
software was lost because Microsoft/Adobe/etc. had moved to account-based
subscription models. And so on.

The solution was to switch to Chromebooks, let patrons log in with their
own Google accounts to get their apps and files, and just "powerwash" the
machines back to factory settings every time they came back. A powerwash
removes all user data, including downloaded files and apps, so all
circulation staff needed to do was run that, sign in to a shared staff
Google account to ensure they'd have access later, and put it back in the
cabinet. Also Chromebooks are half the price of "proper" laptops, so if
someone lost or broke one, they were responsible for $200-400 replacement
fees vs. $1000+. That's probably why they're popular in high schools.

-Tamara

On Tue, Oct 3, 2023 at 9:39 AM Hammer, Erich F <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Bruce,
>
> So many questions...
>
> 24 hour loans:
> * Given the zeroth rule, "without physical security, you have no
> security", how do you trust that the system hasn't been manipulated in a
> way that compromises future users?
> * How are you "clearing" the system between users?
> * Are you using auto-login, or do users log in as themselves?
> * How are you ensuring Windows and/or applications are updated/patched?
> * How have you trained access services staff/students to identify damage?
>
> * Only 5 damaged systems/year out of 250!!?  We used to have 5/semester
> out of 25.  Missing keycaps, damaged ports, loose hinges, and filthy.   The
> repair center *HATED* the program, and the laptops looked like something
> the dog dragged in.
>
> Lack of funding and severe lack of available staff killed our lending
> program, but it was so popular that we are trying to figure out how to get
> it going again.  The last time I asked (on the LABMAN listserv), the
> consensus was that for security, laptops simply must be re-imaged after
> every loan and if you are doing that anyway, you may as well set up
> auto-login with admin rights so users can easily do what they need.  The
> "vending" machine kiosks can do that kind of re-imaging, but hoo-boy, $$$$!
>
> Thanks,
> Erich
>
>
>
> On Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 11:56, Bruce Orcutt eloquently inscribed:
>
> > We have a laptop loan program, with two levels, semester loan, and a 24
> > hour loan.
> >
> > Funding / budget
> > Initial was grants, especially COVID related.  Besides that, retired
> staff laptops
> > can enter the mix of laptops loaned
> >
> > Software supplied / admin access / management tools Software: O365
> > tools, Adobe tools are the basics Admin:  24 hour loan, no user admin
> > access. Semester: user must come in, log in once, then systems staff
> > adds users as a local admin Management: both: Windows Defender,
> > GoToAssist, nessus, Carbon Black. 24 hour: add smart shield.  Anything
> > saved on hard drive is lost upon reboot, ALL data must be saved on USB
> > or OneDrive, google drive, etc
> >
> > Processes and time spent when a laptop is returned
> > Semester: machine put in pile for systems.  Systems re-images with
> default
> > system image, then returns to available use pile for access services
> > 24 hour: Reboot, check for physical damage, if damage leave for systems
> > department review.  Otherwise, return to available pile
> >
> > Loan rules / circulation / fines and fees
> > Semester:
> > request queue starts 4 weeks before semester starts.
> > Simple web form and database, used to track between access and systems
> > Used to track how many available, when user will be coming in to pick up,
> > how many on standby users (if no one picks up, they get their chance)
> > Ends 1 week after semester ends.
> > MUST request anew EACH semester.
> > VERY popular program, regularly run out of these before semester starts
> >
> > 24 hour:
> > Ask at circ desk, get laptop/charger/bag if available
> > Return within 24 hours
> >
> > Not sure of fines/fees.  If an extended duration, then been a few cases
> > where police get involved as potential theft due to policies above the
> library.
> >
> > Partnerships with other departments / role of Library / role of IT
> > Coordinated a bit from campus IT, especially helping with custom designed
> > image for reimaging quickly
> > Library primary IT, but primary use support is via campus IT
> > Library 100% in charge of distribution and maintenance
> >
> > Number of computers vs. patron population / % of laptops checked out / #
> of
> > lost or damaged computers
> > I believe our current student population is approximately 35k this year.
> > Semester laptops available I believe (but not sure), about 250.  ALL get
> taken,
> > every semester
> > Not sure how many in pool of 24 hour laptops
> > Usually maybe 5 truly damaged machines requiring true repair over the
> case
> > of a full year.
> > Many more turned in as "not working" and found a quick reimage or reboot
> > solves the issue, and able to be reissued.
> >
> > Success stories.
> > VERY popular.  Popular with head of library, popular with Provost,
> popular
> > with student body.
> > Earned us a LOT of good will.
> >
> > Anything else?
> >
> > Hope this helps
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Code for Libraries <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Kucera,
> > Ann F
> > Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 10:30 AM
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: [EXTERNAL] [CODE4LIB] Laptop loans - seeking information
> >
> >   **EXTERNAL EMAIL**
> >   This email originated outside of The University of Texas at San
> Antonio.
> >   Please exercise caution when clicking on links or opening attachments.
> >
> > Hello Everyone,
> >
> > I'm interested in getting information about the details and
> practicalities of
> > laptop loan programs. Anything you can share that's working or not would
> be
> > appreciated. If you have comments on just some of the topics below that
> > would be great. Additionally, if you get any input from your IT staff
> about any
> > of these things that is great too. I'm happy to post a summary to the
> list.
> >
> > Here are some categories I'm interested in hearing about.
> >
> > Funding / budget
> >
> > Software supplied / admin access / management tools
> >
> > Processes and time spent when a laptop is returned
> >
> > Loan rules / circulation / fines and fees
> >
> > Partnerships with other departments / role of Library / role of IT
> >
> > Number of computers vs. patron population / % of laptops checked out / #
> of
> > lost or damaged computers
> >
> > Success stories.
> >
> > Anything else?
> >
> > Contact of anyone who would be willing to chat more about this.
> >
> > Thanks so much!
> >
> > Ann Kucera (she, hers)
> > Manager of Library Systems
> > Adobe Digital Lounge Coordinator
> > Park Library 204A  |  Central Michigan University  |  Mount Pleasant, MI
> 48859
> > P: 989-774-2404  |  E: [log in to unmask]
> > http://www.cmich.edu/
>


-- 

Tamara Marnell
Program Manager, Systems
Orbis Cascade Alliance (orbiscascade.org <https://www.orbiscascade.org/>)
Pronouns: she/her/hers