Okanagan College introduces Laptop Lending Program

MEDIA RELEASE - SEPTEMBER 14, 2006

Okanagan College students now have another use for their library cards: they can use them to borrow state-of-the-art laptop computers.

Beginning this week, the College introduced a laptop-lending program at its four major campuses, allowing students to borrow one of 30 new computers.

"Within minutes of launching the program we had students waiting to sign out computers," says Laura Neame, Director of Library Services at Okanagan College. "The response has been great and we know this service will be extremely well utilized by students."

The laptops, equipped with wireless Internet access, are housed at campus libraries and may be signed out for one day free of charge. Students requiring the computers for a longer period of time will pay a low, flat rate; $15 to use a computer for three days and $25 for a seven-day rental. The ability to borrow laptop computers will provide greater student access to the expanding collection of electronic and online resources available at the College.

"This is just one way we are meeting the technological demands of today’s College environment," says Steve Koehle, Vice President of Integrated Planning and Operations for the College. "All of our campuses are equipped with wireless networks so students can be connected as soon as they walk through the doors. Our libraries, computer labs and learning centres have additional resources for students with extended hours to make accessing our facilities easier."

Single-day usage of the computers will aid students in the preparation and delivery of in-class presentations and will also provide students access to computers during times when library workstations and labs are full. The ability to borrow the laptops for up to a week will benefit students who do not have a computer at home and require the technology for assignments, research and papers.

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For more information, contact:

Laura Neame, Director Library Services: 762-5445 (ext. 4665)