It’s been one year since ITS rolled out the laptop kiosks, a service enabling UC Santa Cruz students the ability to check out laptops and chargers. The two self-service kiosks are each located near the entrance to the McHenry Library and the Science and Engineering Library.
This program was designed with the convenience and needs of all of our students in mind, and we’re excited to share a few updates.
New extended checkout hours
Students can now borrow laptops and chargers for up to 12 hours free of charge, after which a usage fee of $2/hour applies. This extended loan time (used to be 8 hours) was in direct response to student feedback requesting an increase in check out times to allow more flexibility with academic schedules.
Fun facts
In the year since the kiosks have been implemented:
- 6,283 checkouts in 11 months. This means we've helped thousands of students access the technology they need to complete assignments, attend classes, and thrive in their academic endeavors.
- Up to 300 weekly checkouts. On average, we process up to 300 laptop checkouts every week, ensuring that students always have access to the resources they need. During the stressful finals period, our service becomes even more critical.
Join Us in Making a Difference
With your support, we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our students and our campus. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and empower the next generation of leaders. Your gift to the Laptop Checkout Kiosk System allows equitable access to education.
The journey to this one-year milestone has been a collaborative effort, from the initial soft launch and official inauguration by Chancellor Larive in November 2022, to the feedback from students on the service itself. The success of the program is a testament to our dedication to meeting the needs of our academic community. ITS looks forward to ensuring that every student has access to the tools they need to excel in their academic journey.
Many thanks to all the students, library and ITS staff for making this program a success!
