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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/ >> > >