In partnership with Information Technology Services (ITS), the library began loaning out the laptops in early March, part of what the head of access services called the “huge push in mobile computing for students.” Carol Shepstone said students are using libraries in different ways and “there’s a general recognition of the need to expand the Learning Commons so it’s mobile.” By taking advantage of the wireless internet service on campus and the loaner laptops, students can now access all the resources they need at tables in the library, in groups, on soft seating, even in class, she said.

The Main Library is the third on campus to offer laptops borrowing. Last year, the libraries in Health Sciences and Law made available five and 10 laptops respectively. Shepstone said Main was spurred on to join the program when “the figures indicated that the majority of students borrowing laptops from those colleges were from Arts and Science.”

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