Media Item Use Guide

Welcome to the Media Item Use Guide! In this guide, you'll find detailed descriptions of the media items loaned by the Lewis University Library, in addition to usage instruction and general tips. Before checking out any media items, you will need to sign an equipment usage contract at the Library Circulation desk.

What is this stuff for?

The Library noticed potential need on campus for temporary laptop borrowing and loanable photography equipment. This program ensures that students will be able to borrow laptops if the need arises suddenly during the year. If your laptop breaks and requires time to fix, or if you cannot get a new one right away, Library laptops are available to bridge that gap. 

We also understand that smartphones do not always have the video or audio quality to make professional content, especially when required for a class. Our cameras will allow students to take high quality photos and video with more sophisticated options than many phones allow. 

For students who want to film with a tripod, or who need an external light or microphone, our equipment can be used with both smartphones and Library cameras.

In-Library use equipment is meant to provide resources to students using the Library as a study space.

How can I loan?

All Library equipment can be loaned from the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the Library. 

To loan any Library material, including equipment, you must present a valid, physical photo ID. A picture of your student ID is not an acceptable substitute. The ID must be physical and not expired. We do not give exceptions.

Additionally, students must sign an equipment contract prior to loaning any Library equipment. The contract is required and not optional, outlines rules of usage of the Library's equipment, and is valid for one semester. The full contract is available to read later on this page.

Something not working?

If any piece of equipment is not working as expected, it is in your best interest to bring it back to the Circulation Desk as soon as possible. This ensures that you are not assumed at fault for any item damage (physical or technical).

Depending on the equipment, we may be able to swap pieces or parts to ensure it is in working condition. Otherwise, we will be able to help you get the equipment working as intended.

We offer laptop computers, DSLR cameras, photography equipment kits compatible with cameras or smartphones, and external DVD drives. All items have a two-week checkout period with one renewal allowed. Laptops have a standard Windows OS, and cameras and equipment will allow easy file transfer to PCs or USB-C devices. Extra steps or adapters may be required to transfer files onto Apple products with only lightning cable inputs.

We also have certain equipment available for loan and use only in the Library, such as headphones, lightning and USB-C phone chargers, and adapters for the Group Study Room TVs.

Equipment List

Students must sign an equipment contract before checking out any media items. The contract is required, and not optional. Refusal to sign will mean no equipment will be loaned. Equipment contracts must be signed once per semester, and expire at the end of the semester.

Equipment contracts can be signed at the Circulation Desk at the time of equipment loan.

Equipment Contract

1.  You will use the equipment in compliance with the Lewis University Acceptable Use policy for technology resources. 

2. Per the Acceptable Use policy, Lewis University reserves the right, but does not assume responsibility, to limit access to material that can be accessed with the equipment. 

3. You are responsible for all equipment components and accessories. You will be charged for the repair or replacement of any damaged components at the discretion of the Lewis University Library.

4. You will report any issue with the equipment or its components and accessories to Lewis University Library as soon as you are aware of the issue. 

5. You will contact the IT Helpdesk for any technical support relating to computer software. 

6. You understand that any data stored on the equipment will be deleted upon check in. 

7. You will not download any pirated or unlicensed software to the equipment.  

8. You will not use the equipment to make or distribute materials that violate U.S. copyright law. 

9. You are responsible for controlling others’ access to the equipment while it is checked out to you. Lewis University Library is not responsible for any charges made by others using the equipment while it is checked out to you. 

   1. You are the patron who will use the equipment. Equipment cannot be loaned to you if you intend for another person to use it (student, friend, family, etc.). By signing this contract and using the equipment, you agree that you are the sole and intended user of the equipment. 

   2. Patrons who violate the above terms (by loaning equipment used by another patron, or by having another patron loan equipment for their use) will be barred from future equipment usage.

   3. For LAPTOP loans: You agree you are a current Lewis University student. Laptops may not be loaned by faculty. Faculty requiring laptop access should contact the Office of Technology.  

10. Lewis University Library is not liable for any adverse result due to an interruption of service. 

11. Lewis University Library reserves the right to make modifications to this agreement at any time. By continuing to use Lewis University Library’s equipment, you agree to abide by any changes made to the agreement. 

Please note:

Any equipment not returned by 7 days past its due date will be marked “Lost” and result in the equipment’s full replacement cost being applied to your account. This cost is removed if and when the item is returned. Patrons with current Lost loans on their account are not eligible to loan any additional Library materials.  

Having on record any Lost loan will bar you from re-loaning any equipment of that type for the next full semester, beginning on the date of the item’s return or the date of the replacement cost’s payment.