1. The University of Alabama Libraries
  2. Libraries Policies
  3. Laptop Computers Policy

Laptop Computers Policy

University of Alabama faculty, staff and students are able to check out laptop computers from the circulation desks of the Gorgas Library, the Bruno Business Library, and the Rodgers Library for Science & Engineering, and from the reference desk of the Hoole Special Collections Library. These computers are for use within the library. Please see below for a list of laptop policies. Using your personal wireless laptop in the Libraries.

Laptop Policies

  • Only University of Alabama faculty, staff, and students may check out laptops. No proxy forms may be used.
  • Anyone checking out laptops must have a valid UA Action Card. No other form of ID will be accepted.
  • Laptops will circulate for four hours and may be renewed if demand permits.
  • Anything saved to the hard drive will be automatically cleared when the laptops are turned off.
  • Files may be saved to a usb or thumb drive, e-mailed as an attachment, or printed via UniPrint. You must provide your own usb or thumb drive.
  • Laptops may be used in the library only, and may not be taken outside.
  • Late fees are $5.00 per hour. The maximum fine is $200.00. There is no grace period. Any laptop that is 24 hours overdue will be declared lost, and a total charge of $1,510 will be billed to the patron’s account. ($1,300.00 lost fee, $200.00 fine, $10.00 processing charge) If the laptop is returned in good condition, the $1,300.00 lost charge may be forgiven. The fines and processing fee will not be forgiven.
  • You are responsible for any damage done to the laptop while it is checked out to you, and will be charged a damage fee of up to $1,300.00. Also, you will be charged $1,300.00 if a laptop is reported missing or stolen while checked out to your account.

72 Hour Laptop Check Out Policy

  • Only The University of Alabama faculty, staff and students may check out 72 hour laptops.
  • No proxy forms may be used. Laptops are not allowed to be checked out on behalf of other individuals, campus groups, units or departments. The patron who checks out the laptop is solely responsible for any and all fees and fines associated with the laptop.
  • Anyone checking out laptops must have a valid UA Action Card. No other form of ID will be accepted.
  • Laptops will circulate for 72 hours and may not be renewed. If there is no waiting list for laptops, you may check out another one after the first laptop is returned. Laptops must be returned to the owning library during hours of operation. Upon return, be prepared to wait for staff to check functionality.
  • Laptops cannot be checked out over extended semester or holiday breaks.
  • Anything saved to the hard drive will be automatically cleared when the laptops are turned off.
  • Late fees are $5.00 per hour. The maximum fine is $200.00. There is no grace period. Any laptop that is 24 hours overdue will be declared lost and a total charge of $1,510.00 will be billed to the patron’s account ($1,300.00 lost fee, $200.00 fine, $10.00 processing charge). If the laptop is returned in good condition, the $1,300.00 lost charge may be forgiven. The fines and processing fee will not be forgiven. Laptop will remain checked out to patron until all accessories (chargers, bag, etc.) are returned.
  • 72 hour laptops are available in these locations:
    1. Bruno Library
    2. Gorgas Library
    3. Rodgers Library