Borrowing and returning laptops

The Laptop Loan service is a student service designed to enhance the provision of computing facilities for matriculated University of Edinburgh students.

Where?

Laptops are available for borrowing from the following libraries.

How?

Laptops can be borrowed from the Helpdesk in each of the libraries listed above. In addition, in the Main Library students can issue laptops to themselves using the self-service laptop cabinet located in the High Use Books (HUB) collection.

Many buildings in the University have multiple wireless access points ensuring that students can be more flexible with their study patterns and not be restricted to using the 'fixed' Open Access Labs.

In order to use the laptops, students should register for University of Edinburgh wireless and VPN services.

Like other library items, laptops may be renewed if there are no requests pending. This can be done online via DiscoverEd or in person at the Helpdesk. 

Laptops must be returned to the library from which they were borrowed.

All laptops come with a carry case, power cable, adaptor and information sheet.

How to renew laptops? 

Laptops can be renewed for up to 9 days from the initial issue date via your DiscoverEd library account. Renewals may not be possible during periods of high demand.

DiscoverEd

• Click on 'Sign in'.
• Click on the 'University Login Users' option.
• Once signed in, click on the drop down arrow next to your name and choose 'My Account'.
• You will be shown your personal library account which will include any items you have on loan.
• Click on 'Loans' and choose your laptop to 'Renew'.
• Note the due date of your laptop that has been renewed.

Why can't I renew my laptop?

• You cannot renew your laptop if it has been requested by another user.
• You cannot renew your laptop if you have fines of over £10 on your library account.
• You cannot renew your laptop if you have already borrowed it for the maximum loan period (up to 9 days).

Are there other ways to renew my laptop? 

In-person:

If you do not have the laptop with you, you can renew it at a Library Helpdesk for up to 9 days from the initial issue date. You must have your University of Edinburgh card with you to do this.

Terms and conditions

Short Term Laptop Loan Service

• Laptops can be borrowed for 3 days at a time. This may change during the summer vacation.
• Fines will be charged for late return of £6 per day or part thereof, so make sure to leave enough time to return it.
• Return laptop and all loaned accessories to the library desk you borrowed them from by the due date.**
• Any correspondence will be sent by email to your sms University account.
• Loss or damage to the laptop or accessories may result in charges for repair, or replacement costs of £503.
• You are responsible for the safety and security of the laptop and accessories whilst the machine is on loan to you. Please do not leave it unattended.

**Note: at Main Library Reception there is a limited capacity to store laptops brought for return when the Helpdesk is closed. These cannot be renewed and will remain on your library record until checked and discharged by Helpdesk staff. You will not be able to issue another laptop until this is done.

Medium and Long Term Laptop Loan Service

Laptops are still available for both medium and long term loans

In order to support the move to hybrid teaching, the University is supporting undergraduate and postgraduate students who are most in need with medium and long term laptop loans.  The loans are focused on those who do not have a device or their current device does not support teaching requirements.

The laptops are available to those who are:

• care leavers
• estranged
• acting as a carer
• in receipt of a University bursary based on household income
• in receipt of discretionary and hardship funds
• currently working from a tablet or phone to access lectures and teaching material
• in severe financial difficulty unable to purchase or repair a laptop

The laptop loan system is for the purpose of providing a working primary device and not about upgrading from your existing device or obtaining a second device. This is to ensure these laptops help those who are most in need.

To be considered, please contact your local school student support, or Personal Tutor, or the EUSA Advice Place. You will then be asked to complete a form to confirm the terms and conditions of the loan. Or if you have any queries, please contact the EdHelp team who are there to assist you.

Further details at: https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/help-consultancy/students-it-requirements-guidance-and-support 

• Medium term is a single semester, long term is September to May although the loan can be extended for fully matriculated continuing students beyond May.
• Laptops are on loan and remain the property of the University of Edinburgh. We reserve the right to recall the laptop if required
• You will be expected to return the laptop and accessories at the end of the current Academic Year, or at the end of your time as a matriculated student at the University if you cease to be a student before the end of the Academic Year.
• At the end of the Academic Year you will be will be expected to return your laptop and accessories to University premises and will be emailed guidance on how to do this.
• Any correspondence relating to laptop loans will be sent by email to your University account.
• You are responsible for the safety and security of the laptop and accessories whilst the machine is on loan to you. Please do not leave it unattended.
• You must report any damage or loss of the laptop or accessories to the EdHelp Team as soon as you become aware of a problem. It may not always be possible to issue you a replacement, so please look after your laptop

Help

If you have a laptop-related enquiry please contact the IS Helpdesk in the library you have borrowed the laptop from.