Drexel University Library Introduces Kiosk Where Students Can Borrow Laptops 24×7

From the The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Drexel reports it is the first school in the area to dispense computers via the kiosk, designed to give students access to laptops more easily and after the circulation desk is closed for the night.
The Texas company that sold Drexel the kiosk, LaptopsAnytime, said Drexel and New York University were the only two on the East Coast to have installed the units, said Matthew Buscher, company president.
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The kiosk, which holds 12 laptops [15-inch MacBooks] was installed Dec. 4, the last week of classes. As of 10 a.m. Thursday, the laptops had been borrowed 385 times, [Danuta A.] Nitecki  [dean of libraries] said. The highest use time has been 2 to 3 p.m.

More information in this announcement from Drexel University.

This is the latest in a series of new initiatives for Drexel Libraries under Nitecki’s leadership. In 2010, Nitecki introduced a personal librarian for each incoming Drexel undergraduate student, and in July 2011 spearheaded the opening of the Library Learning Terrace, which houses no physical books but provides “knowledge transfer” to students and staff. “Libraries are not only meant to house books,” according to Nitecki. “They also house learning.” Most recently, the Libraries removed the reference desk in an effort to better assist students seeking consultation.

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