YES. Unless...

CatCards are preferred to check out equipment from the Tech Toolshed, but exceptions can now be made for all technology.

CatCards are the most efficient and reliable method for verifying both a patron’s identity and their affiliation with the University of Arizona, but if needed we can accept other forms of ID as an exception:

• We do not accept Student ID numbers
• We do accept valid forms of Government ID (similar to what we accept for PC reservations) as an exception.
  • This includes: Drivers License/permit, Passport, Military ID, State ID, and Tribal ID.

If an exception is made, please remind the patron that a CatCard will be required for future checkouts.

If a patron asks why they need their CatCard:

• Inform them this is our policy for lending technology.
• Inform them that library accounts are connected to their CatCard number, not their Student ID number. 

This exception is okay to be made by desk staff and student leads. Ops Student Employees should refer to a staff member for an exception.

Equipment Agreement Form

Find the Equipment Agreement Form linked here: Equipment Agreement Form

Quick Facts:

• Patrons checking out any type of technology need to have a completed EAF form on file.
• The form must completed each semester by all patrons checking out technology items
• The form is completed online using a tablet located at the first floor desk.
• Check for an EAF form in Alma whenever you are checking out an item to a patron or checking an item back in.

Verify an EAF in a Patron Account

In Alma

• Go to Manage Patron Services
• Scan the patron's CatCard
  • Note that Digital Catcards will appear as 11 number rather than 16. 
• In right side menu, click on ID number 
• In User Details window, click on Statistics Tab
• Statistical Category field in table for EAF-(current semester)
• Verify that it the EAF is from the current semester

NO EAF found or EAF is not from current semester? See directions below for 'How to Add and EAF in a Patron Account'

How to Add an EAF in a Patron Account

In Alma

• Go to Manage Patron Services

• Scan patron's CatCard or type their name

• In right side menu, click on ID number 

• In User Details window, click on Statistics Tab

• Click on Add Statistic (located below the tabs on the right)

• In the window, choose Equipment Agreement Form from the Category Type dropdown menu

• Choose the current semester (indicated with an asterisks) 

• Click Add & Close

Alma User Statistical Categories App (for Staff)

To make this easier, there is an app you can install and set up in Alma that will allow you to see if an EAF form has been signed without fully going into the statistics tab. Instructions to set this up are attached and in box. 

Current High-Demand Items

• Wifi Hotspots 
• DSLRs
• Macbooks 
• Graphing Calculators 
• iPads 
• Surface Pro Tablet

Circulation best practices for high-demand items: 

• If we have an item on the normal circulation rack, bring it out to the desk 

• Let the patron know we’ll check to see if that item is available for check-out 

• Attempt to check out the item 

  •  If Alma allows it, give it to the patron 

    • Double check the due date—it might not be a full 21 day loan! 

  • If Alma does not allow it,

    • Let the patron know that there is a booking preventing the system from even offering a single day’s worth of loans 

Ensure the patron understands that scanning the item into Alma DOES NOT mean that we are able to check it out to them. 

• The only way to ensure a high-demand item's availability is to place a booking request in advance.

Holds vs. Bookings

HOLDS:

Holds allow patrons to place a request for high-demand technology items. After a hold is triggered it will remain on hold for the patron for three days. 

A hold does not allow patrons to specify a reservation date, and instead places them in the request queue. Patrons will be notified via email when the requested item becomes available. 

All technology items in inventory are available for holds/reservations, except the items listed in the next section, Bookings.

BOOKINGS:

Bookings allow patrons to place a request for an item during a specific date range.

Bookings items include the following:

Items Ready for Pickup

Scan the patron's CatCard in the “Manage Patron Services” tab

• The patron account should have a note indicating that their item is ready

You will verify their reservation by clicking on the “Requests” tab and finding the listed item

• If additional verification is needed, you can request that the patron show you the email
  confirming their request

Head to the Bookings rack and check the Name tags to make sure you are pulling the right item:

• Examine the item to make sure it functions and that all of its components are in place
• Then you can check the item out to the patron’s account and discard the Name Slip originally attached to the item

PC/Mac Computer Specifications

Patrons may come to the desk to ask about the computing power of our PCs/Macs. We currently have too many different models of laptops/Macs to offer anyone specific CPU specifications.

• We do not allow students to pick a laptop/Mac based on specs. 
• If a patron comes to the desk asking if we have computers that can run specific programs, you can direct them to Virtual Computing Access Technology (VCAT) from UITS. UITS also provides a list of software that is available to students when they use VCAT.

CAN Renewal Requests

• No renewals for CAN equipment at or beyond 147 days. 

• Patrons should be informed that items must be returned for inspection and reimaging. 

• If they still need the equipment, they may check out a regular laptop or hotspot (inventory will increase as CAN items transition over). 

Distance Students Questions

• If renewal is requested → Create a ticket; Amir will respond. 

• If returning via shipping → Create a ticket; the Tech team will assist. 

• For overdue/billing issues → Create a ticket; the Tech team will work with Billing. 

Inquiries over Chat/Phone

• If a patron asks how to return CAN equipment: 

  • Local patrons (Tucson): Direct them to return items to the Tech Toolshed (1st floor, Main Library). 

  • If they say I am non-local (out of town)/Distance student: 

    • Ask: “Was the equipment originally shipped to you?” 

    • If yes → Let them know you will create a ticket, and the CAN team will follow up with shipping label instructions. 

    • If no/unsure → Default to advising them to return items in person at the Tech Toolshed. 

Note: Only discuss shipping labels if the patron specifically mentions being outside of Tucson or having items shipped. 

Required Inventory

We must have enough inventory of an item in stock to process a renewal request.

There must be:

• 2 PC (Lenovo or Dell) laptops in stock

• 2 Macbooks

• 2 of any other type of equipment

You can check for the items physically or check on our webpage.

Follow the saying: If there are two, you can renew!

Items That Do Not Renew:

• Portable Recording Studio
• 3D Scanners
• VR equipment
• VHS Players
• MIDI Piano Keyboards
• Camera Lenses

PC Laptops auto-renew every 2 weeks - up to a total loan period of 147 days - as long as:

1. The patron's account is active, meaning they are a current affiliate of the University.
2. The patron's account has no fines or restrictions.

If you notice a PC's last renewal date is incorrect or if the PC is not auto-renewing correctly, please reach out to Lucy and Mona via systems@arizona.edu.