Purpose

Forestry Computing Helpdesk fees enable supported faculty, staff, and graduate students to checkout technical equipment for use with lectures and presentations.

For purposes other than lectures and presentations, supported users and other Forestry Computing Helpdesk clients may rent projectors, laptops, as well as entire computing labs in accordance with the rental policy and fees.

Who can check out equipment

Any user that pays helpdesk fees (includes any forestry user, except those with restricted accounts) can checkout equipment for use with lectures or presentations. Undergraduate students are not eligible to reserve equipment, but supported users are allowed to make arrangements for an undergraduate to pick up or return equipment on behalf of the supported user. Abuse of the equipment or failure to return it on time may result in the loss of checkout privileges.

Checkout Duration

Equipment can be reserved for a maximum of two consecutive weeks. Users requiring equipment for a period longer than two weeks should contact their department office, the OSU Student Multimedia Services group (SMS), or a private rental company to see if they can accommodate the request.

Certain items have more restrictive checkout periods. Examples include our Adobe Connect license (full day maximum) and our Conference Cameras (three business days).

Reservations

Reservations must be made through the Forestry Computing Helpdesk.

Checkout and Return Procedures

Equipment MUST be returned to a helpdesk staff member during business hours. Leaving the equipment in the help desk area when a staff member is not present does not constitute returning it. You must sign for any equipment you checkout. Your signature is acceptance of this Equipment Checkout Policy.

If you are absolutely reliant on any of the included laptop items, check the contents of the laptop bag before you leave the help desk area to ensure the item(s) you need are present.

Software and Data Files

Laptops have some of the forestry-supported software installed. The user should verify that any needed applications are installed and working on the laptop. For their own privacy, users should remove any software and/or files they install or place on the laptop before the laptop is returned. Any files left on the hard drive of the laptop are viewable by the next person that checks out the laptop. We do not backup data files left on the hard drive of the laptops.

Restrictions and Responsibilities

Checkout laptops may not be checked out for the purpose of field research. This is due to the likelihood of damage to the LCD screen and other sensitive components in such rugged environments.

Please inform the helpdesk if any equipment was damaged or misplaced during use or transport. Users are responsible for any equipment checked out and will be required to pay for damaged or missing parts. Equipment will be inspected upon return.