On the laptop checkouts, the fine policy should be less severe - $10 an hour, effective the minute after it is due? I have never been personally affected by this policy, but I've seen people who have and it has made me feel real bad for them. One guy was an hour and 10 minutes late and had to pay a $20 fine.
I understand the idea: we don't want people abusing the system. But there is one important fact - the battery life on the laptops doesn't last much longer than two hours on most laptops anyway. I think there should be a 5 minute grace period and the fine should be scaled - like, 5-10 minutes late, $2; 10-30 minutes late, $5; 30-45 minutes late, $7; and an hour, $10. Or Something like that.
Also, with this site, you should make sure to report back to us which ideas the library decides to implement.
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Need more flexible return times on laptops
Last year, I cut my thumb open badly and could not use my right hand to write (the bandage was too think to grip anything). I had an anatomy class I desperatly needed to take notes in and went to check out a laptop (could type with 9 fingers..) - I begged them to allow me to have it for 1 hour and 10 minutes so that I could take it to class and come back and return it on time.
Could not be done, I was told.. either have it back in 59:59 sharp or pay ten bucks!
I don't think I was asking for anything extraordinary or unreasonable. This service is to help students succeed in school, and guidelines should be flexible in extreme circumstances.
whatever is decided on this...
...the current situation is absolutely unreasonable.
fair fines for overdue laptops
Two hours can pass very quickly when working on an assignment, group project, or a presentation. The computers provide no reminder or warning about when due. There should be a grace period of 10 minutes.
Fines should be more reasonable. Fines should be the hourly fine times the actual time overdue. If a laptop is returned 1 hour and 6 minutes late, it is the fine should be 1.1 times the hourly rate not 2 times.
The current fine is unreasonable. Fines should be sufficient to encourage prompt return. However, $10/hour is excessive. Reduce the fine to $1/hr or $2/hr. A minimum fine of $1-$2, after the grace period, might be reasonable. Laptops can only be returned during library hours; fines should ONLY accumulate during library hours.
Why are People are going
Why are People are going over the 2 hour limit?? BECAUSE 2 HOURS ARE'NT ENOUGH!! Who can write a paper in 2 hours? People are'nt just facebooking! they are actually studying! and you also have to wait for half an hour and waste your time before you can check it out for 2 more hours!
I Agree...But...
I entirely agree with you that the $10 fine is a bit stiff. Since your account freezes once you reach $15 in fines anyway, turning in a laptop two hours late is more than just a fine; it means not registering or getting transcripts or checking out other materials.
I think a lesser fine should be implemented for overdue laptops.
Wow.
I've never had to use the campus rental lappies, but that sounds really harsh. Such a big turn off! It would really be worth considering some other options. Maybe a pager/timer that goes off when you have five minutes left? The scaled finage is also a good idea.
I Agree
I second this idea... The only thing the library gives us is a tiny receipt that is easily lost and a cheerful "It's due in two hours". When you are absorbed in an essay or homework it is very easy to lose track of time staring at a computer screen, so a small pop-up warning us that we have 10 minutes left would certainly catch our attention.
At least give students the option to defend against fine.
The fine for laptops is really harsh. Nothing hurts more than getting a $10 fine for returning something a minute late(after the third time I bought a cheap laptop). Students should at least be able to state their case and possibly get the fine waved.
It would be nice if the laptop would post a warning on the screen after being turned on for 1 hour and 45 minutes. If it did you would have an even better reason to have the fine.
i agree that the ideas
i agree that the ideas implemented should be reported back to students.
this way, we will know what to look for next school year and we can keep the staff honest to their word ;)