Bringing them in and checking them out: Laptop use in the modern academic library

Laptop computers provide unsurpassed flexibility and convenience for students in the modern academic environment. Many libraries, including the University of Nevada, ­Las Vegas (UNLV) Lied Library, allow students to bring in their own laptops or check out library-owned laptops and connect to the institution\u27s high-speed network. While offering unsurpassed convenience, laptop use must be tempered with appropriate authentication, security, and additional procedural policies to ensure that such privileges are not abused. In addition, libraries must be prepared to accommodate financial and staff-time costs associated with such programs