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The University of Hong Kong Libraries has launched a Laptop Loaning Programme to further enhance its provision of computing facilities for borrowers. Laptop computers are available for short loan at the Circulation Counter of the Main and Branch Libraries (except Music Library) for use anywhere on campus. Please read the following guidelines carefully before checking out a laptop. In Branch Libraries, priority will be given to users in respective branch for laptop loaning.
Eligibility
Holders of valid HKU Libraries borrower card are eligible to borrow laptops. As stipulated in Library Regulations , borrowers who return recalled items late and/or have fines in excess of $200, and thereby have their patron records blocked, must settle all accounts before checking out a laptop. Each borrower is eligible to check out one laptop at a time. There are no borrowing fees for laptops.
Availability
In Main Library, laptops are available on a first come, first served basis.
In Branch Libraries (except Music), priority will be given to users in respective branch for laptop loaning.
To check whether any laptops are available to borrow right now, search the Library Catalogue by Title Laptop Loaning Programme.
Laptop configurations
Hardware
HP Compaq 6910p: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.1Ghz CPU, 2GB RAM, 160GB Hard Disk, 14.1” Display, Fixed and Wireless Network Interfaces, SD/MMC Card reader and DVD Writer (Support +R DL)
HP Compaq 6930p: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26Ghz CPU, 3GB RAM, 160GB Hard Disk, 14.1” Display, Webcam, Fixed and Wireless Network Interfaces, SD/MMC Card reader and DVD Writer (Support +R DL)
Software
Windows Vista Enterprise version (English & Chinese, selected by choosing different logon accounts)
Internet Explorer 7.0
MS Office 2007 (Access, Excel, InfoPath, OneNote, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word)
Endnote X2
HKUESD 1.60
QuickTime 7.50
RealPlayer 11.0.0.446
Roxio Creator Basic v9 (HP bundle)
Symantec Antivirus 10.2
Windows Media Player 11
CKCS IME 2002
Microsoft Silverlight 1.1
InterVideo WinDVD (HP bundle)
PDF Complete (HP bundle)
Plug-ins and Readers
Adobe Flash Player 9.0
Adobe Reader 9.0
Adobe Shockwave Player 11
Apabi Reader 3.2
CAJ Viewer 7.0
Citrix Client 10.20 (for WinFrames Titles)
HotDocs 2008 Player Edition
Lizardtech DjVu Viewer 6.1
SuperStar SSReader 3.92 (with OCR support)
Ebrary
PKReader 1.0
HyView 3.4
Loan procedure
Main Library: Laptop loaning service is provided at Circulation Counter nos. 1-3, Ground Floor , from 8:30 am (10:00 am for Sunday/public holidays) until 2 hours before the library closes.
Branch Libraries (except Music): Laptop loaning service is provided at Circulation Counters during opening hours until 2 hours before the respective Branch closes.
Borrowers must present their library card in-person at the Counter to check out a laptop.
First time laptop borrowers are required to read and sign a Laptop Loaning Agreement , which will allow them to borrow laptops for the current academic year.
Upon each checkout, examine the physical conditions of the laptop, such as LCD, case, keyboard and security labels, and report defects, if any, to library staff before leaving the counter.
Shut down laptops before returning them to the counter.
Laptops must be returned in-person to the staff at Circulation Counter of the same library where they are borrowed. For Main Library, please return the laptops to Counter nos. 1-3 only. Borrowers may be required to wait for a short while so that staff can verify that the laptop and accessories have been returned and in order. Borrowers should report any laptop malfunctions or problems to duty staff immediately.
Loan period
Laptops cannot be checked out overnight. Laptops must be returned the same day. Laptops borrowed from Main and Branch Libraries are due 30 minutes before the Libraries close and cannot be checked out overnight.
Renewals
No renewal is permitted.
Advance booking
Recalls or reservation service are not available.
Fines
A fine of $500 per night will be charged to borrowers for late return of laptops with a maximum fine of $2,500. Laptops overdue for 5 nights will be assumed lost.
Borrower responsibilities
Borrowers assume full responsibilities in:
Following guidelines of the Laptop Loaning Programme and complying with the Laptop Loaning Agreement to which they agreed to when borrowing the laptop.
Complying with The University of Hong Kong Statement of Ethics on Computer Use when using the laptop.
Respecting any relevant Libraries policy .
Exercising due care when using the laptop and reporting any equipment malfunctions immediately to library staff.
Ensuring safety and security of the laptop and accessories whilst the machine is on loan to them. Do not leave the laptop unattended.
Compensating the Libraries in case of theft, damage or loss of the laptop and its accessories, in accordance of the rate specified in the Laptop Loaning Agreement .
Laptop accessories
Each laptop is accompanied with a charger, power cord, USB optical mouse, carrying bag and strap, cable lock, Ethernet cable and users instructions.
Battery
Each laptop comes with its built-in battery. Power outlets are available for use in both New Wing and Old Wing of the Main Library. Use only the accompanied charger and power cord to charge the laptop. Check battery level if the laptop is to be used in a location where there is no power outlet. The built-in battery may not be charged at time of loan.
Connecting to the Internet
Laptops have been registered with HKU's ACEnet and can be connected to its wireless network automatically. To ensure secure wireless connection, please establish a HKUVPN gateway. For more information, please see Laptops Basic User Guide .
Printing
Laptops are not connected to printers. Borrowers however may save their files on an USB disk drive or a CD and use any of the PCs in the Knowledge Navigation Centre (KNC) on G/F Main Library to do the printing . Printing charge per page is 30 cents for black and white and $3.30 for colour.
Saving files
Save files online, or on your storage devices (e.g. USB disk drive, CD) only. Files saved on c: drive will be erased when the laptop is rebooted. Do not forget to back up your files regularly. The Libraries is not liable for loss of, or damage to any data loaded or used on the laptop.
Seeking help
Borrowers are expected to be self-directed in their use of the laptops. Assistance with Microsoft products is available online at http://support.microsoft.com/ . Laptops Basic User Guide comes with the laptop also provide basic information on using the laptop. Hardware problems should be directed to Circulation staff who will contact System Office of the Libraries. Assistance with the use of library electronic databases is available at the Reference Counter, G/F Main Library.
Disclaimer
The University of Hong Kong Libraries assumes no responsibility for any infringing, or non-permitted, use of the laptop while it is on loan.
The above guidelines are subject to change without prior notice.
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