Charlie Sosnick
Web Manager
When students filed into the library several weeks ago, brightly-colored signs positioned throughout the room caught their eyes. The signs, which were positioned on the tables and checkout counter, outlined a detailed procedure for the return of devices borrowed from the media center.
The signs lay out a set of procedures for checking-in and checking-out iPads and iPods from the library. Specific instructions include “keep [the device]in your possession at all times,” “make eye contact with the person to whom you return it,” and “physically watch the person to whom you return it scan it back into the system.”
Though the new procedure came as a surprise to some students, Library Department Chair Michelle Luhtala insists these guidelines have existed since students have been able to borrow devices. “Since the very first day we loaned iPads, there were little pieces of paper that laid out all the rules,” she said. “Always, the first time we check out iPads, we say, ‘Have you done it before?’”
According to Ms. Luhtala, a list of these rules has long been available in the student planner and on the media center website, nchslmc.org. However, there have been two instances when students didn’t follow these device guidelines. “We’ve had instances where an iPad goes M.I.A. for a couple of days and they invariably say, ‘I checked it back in. I left it on the counter,’” she said.
All-Around Library Leader and senior Molly James described the most recent situation. “We had an incident before [winter]break where an iPad went missing for three days,” she said.
Though the details are still unclear, the library staff have some ideas as to why the iPads went missing. “I have no way of knowing for sure [what happened],” Ms. Luhtala said. “In neither case was it just left on a table.”
Soon after, the signs were put in place to stop future rule violations. “We were very aggressive in posting signs after the last incident,” Ms. Luhtala said. “We’ve only had this happen twice so we have a very good track record.”
Molly thinks that the fliers will make it explicitly clear to students what the rules are. “It basically outlines what we expect a student to do and what our expectations are for them,” she said. “Taking out an iPad is a privilege. Most schools don’t have this capacity for technology.”
Ms. Luhtala agreed that having so much technology available for students is rare. “It’s a privilege to be able to borrow a $700 piece of equipment in a school library,” she said. “It’s a fairly uncommon practice.”
Though the signs came as a surprise to many students, their purpose was generally understood. Junior Brendan Hill found the guidelines reasonable. “The rules are very basic and self-explanatory,” he said.
Junior Sam Ashley thought the signs were a good idea. “I feel like everyone already does this,” she said. “But, it doesn’t hurt to have the signs to remind people.”
Senior Sam Murray appreciated that the signs will improve security. “I wouldn’t want to be responsible for losing an iPad if I actually returned it,” he said.
Sam thinks that the fliers will remind people of the rules for borrowing devices. “Considering people aren’t too careful with library property, I don’t think [they]are really aware of the library guidelines,” he said. “It’s a pretty simple policy that will keep people accountable.”
