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University of Iowa

University Libraries

New Knowledgebase: Patron Laptops

Patron Laptops

Laptops can now be checked out to students, faculty and staff!

How to Check out a Laptop

  1. Click the “Manage Patron Services” tab in Alma, and then scan the patron’s ID card (or type in the patron’s ID number) into the “Patron Identification” search box. Make sure the patron’s “User Notes” appear on the screen, including the patron’s name and ID number
  2. Take a laptop case out of the laptop cart. Pull a laptop out of the laptop case. Under “Patron Services,” next to “Scan item barcode,” scan or type in the laptop’s barcode number (do not scan the barcode on the laptop case – only the laptop)
  3. A note should appear on the screen, “Fulfillment Notes: 4 Pieces: laptop case, laptop, power supply, and cord. Remember only need to check out laptop, not case” Make sure the power supply and cord are in the laptop case, and then click “Confirm.”
  4. Make sure the laptop’s information appears on the screen. You should see “HSL Laptop,” the due date (one week from today), the barcode, and the loan date appear on the screen
  5. When you can confirm the laptop’s checkout information is on the screen, then place the laptop in the laptop case, hand the patron the laptop case, tell the patron the due date listed on the screen, and then click “Done.” Make sure the patron takes the laptop case, along with the laptop – the patron is not allowed to checkout a laptop without also taking the laptop case.

Returning a Laptop

  1. Before checking in the laptop, make sure the patron also returns the laptop case. Make sure the laptop, the power supply, and the cord are inside the case.
  2. Click the “Return Items” tab in Alma, and scan or type in the barcode number on the laptop:
  3. A note should appear on the screen – click “Confirm”
  4. Make sure the laptop’s information appears on the screen, with the following information: Title (HSL Laptop), Return Date, Due Date, Barcode, Loaned Date, and Patron Name. If all this information appears on the screen, then you will know the laptop has been checked in properly
  5. When you have successfully checked in the laptop, then return the laptop to the laptop case, and then return the laptop case to the laptop cart. Remember to lock the laptop cart after returning the laptop case.