LMC Laptop Checkouts

[BOWENJM@AOL.COM]

To All:
My district is considering the purchase of laptop computers for staff and
student use both within and outside the high school LMCs.  Staff
accountablility can be handled rather easily since staff members are required
to have the school library media specialist sign their end of the year
checkout forms prior to their leaving for the summer break or another school.
 If they have any missing or damaged equipment or materials the
administration can insure that they clear up their responsibilities prior to
being "released."

However, student checkout of expensive laptop computers is another matter.
 Has any other high school, or middle school, had experience with checking
out laptops to students?  If so, how do you handle the accountablity issue?
 Do you restrict the laptop use to within the LMC only?  Do you allow
overnight, or longer, checkout with a security deposit?  How do you handle
the issue of damaged equipment (including software deleted or "merely" no
longer working)?  Do you have a different fine system for these laptops than
you do for print materials?  How do you provide for equity of access?
I will appreciate any suggestions I receive.
Thanks in advance.

James M. Bowen
Library Media Coordinator
Green Bay Area Public Schools
200 S. Broadway
Green Bay, WI 54303
Phone: (414) 448-2030
Fax: (414) 448-2115