Laptops (BASIC INFORMATION)
Borrowing Policy
Each of our three laptop computers can be borrowed for four hours (no renewals). They cannot be taken out of the Music Library. Overdue fines are $1.00 per hour, so it's important to discharge them as soon as they are returned.
Laptops are stored in a cart in the CD storage room. They do not have disc drives, so anyone who wants to listen to a CD or watch a DVD must also check out an external drive (we have three).
Our laptops have a battery life of over four hours when fully charged, so we store them plugged in and check them out WITHOUT THE POWER CORDS. Therefore, it's really important to follow these steps:
1. When checking out a laptop, pull it partway out of the cart and disconnect the power cord from above. Then pull the laptop out the rest of the way.
2. When checking in a laptop, look at the ID number on the front (especially the last two digits) and make sure you return it to the correct numbered slot.
3. Before putting the laptop back in the cart, make sure that it is completely shut down, not just asleep.
4. When returning the laptop to the cart, position it so that the side with the power cord jack goes in first. Don't forget to reconnect the power cord so the laptop can charge for the next user.
Troubleshooting
If the laptops don't seem to be charging while they are plugged into the cart, you may need to reset the circuit breaker. Open the back of the cart and look for the area where the cart's power cord originates. Slightly below and to the left of that is a switch. Turn the switch off, and then on again. Listen closely for a faint humming noise coming from the cart, which indicates that electricity is flowing.
For other laptop problems, call the Help Desk at 287-6400.
Library Terminology (BASIC INFORMATION)
Library staff sometimes use specialized terminology that may be unfamiliar to students. Here are a few terms that you may hear:
ALMA = the software system that underpins our online catalog, circulation, etc.
CHARGE = to check something out to someone
DISCHARGE = to check something back in after someone has returned it
I L L = interlibrary loan, which means borrowing materials from or lending materials to other libraries
LIBGUIDE = the product name for the library's online course guides and subject guides (including this one)
STACKS = shelves holding library materials
TRUCK = book cart
PRIMO = the product name for OneSearch
Lights in the Music Library (BASIC INFORMATION)
There are many types of lights in the Music Library. Those in the entryways closest to the Modlin and Booker doors are on motion sensors, so they turn off and on depending on when people pass through the area. We have no control over them, so if an area suddenly becomes dark, just walk through it and the light should come on.
The lights at the circulation desk never go off, and we have no switch to control them. If they are off, that means we've lost electricity.
The lights in the central study area, including the chandelier, are controlled by switches on the wall. If you face the big window near the couch, the switches are on the right, next to the thermostat.
In the photo below, red circles indicate the switches for the fluorescent lights, blue circles the smaller spotlights (with dimmers), and yellow arrows point to the on/off for the chandelier.
Locked Out of a Room
If a student gets locked out of a classroom or practice room in Booker Hall, they should speak with the Administrative Coordinator in the Music Office on the first floor of Booker. After hours, the student should call University Facilities (289-8600) or the non-emergency Police (289-8715).
The Music Library does not have keys for Booker Hall practice rooms.
