If we were a "Google school", I would be all in on the Chromebooks for patrons. However as a Microsoft campus, it makes things a lot more complicated.
Thanks,
Erich
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 13:47, Tamara Marnell eloquently inscribed:
> 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/
>>
>
>
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