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  3. Laptop loans

Laptop loans

Laptop lockers in the Edward Boyle Library

You can borrow a laptop for short-term use from the Edward Boyle, Brotherton and Health Sciences libraries.

You can use a laptop for as long as its battery lasts. You cannot charge the laptop and it must be returned within 24 hours. If the battery is running low and you need a laptop for longer, then you can return it and take out another.

Where are the laptops?

The laptops are stored in smart lockers, in the following locations:

What can the laptops do?

The laptops are equipped with Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system and include built-in WiFi connectivity. Like other computers on campus, you will need your University username and password to log in (see the ‘Unlock and use a laptop’ section below). You’ll be able to access and edit the documents saved to your University OneDrive.

These laptops come in handy for short-term tasks, if your own laptop runs out of charge or if you left it at home, or if you need a Windows computer.

The instructions below explain how to borrow, use and return a laptop.

Borrow a laptop

To borrow a laptop, you need to:

  • scan your University ID card barcode at the locker. Alternatively, type in your barcode number using the 'Enter Code' button and the on-screen keypad.
  • to unlock the bays at a lower level, use the “Easy Access” icon at the top right of the screen
  • select ‘Laptop’ to borrow
  • go to the selected bay that is flashing – it will unlock with a clicking sound
  • open the bay’s door, carefully unplug and remove the laptop
  • close the bay and tap 'Finish' and you’re good to go.

You will receive a borrowing receipt in your University email account.

Unlock and use a laptop

To start using a laptop, you need to:

  • turn the device on – the power button is at the top right of the keyboard
  • click the globe icon to show the available WiFi networks
  • connect to eduroam with the username format: username@leeds.ac.uk, or choose UoL-Guest or your preferred network
  • once connected, use your University credentials to log in to the laptop.

Things to note while using a laptop

There are a few things to remember while using the laptop:

  • do not charge the laptop as this will cause the device to shut down automatically (do not plug it in to a USB-C cable charger)
  • save your work to OneDrive or your personal storage device before returning the laptop, as all data will be erased 24 hours after you have signed out of the device
  • sign out of the device before returning it.

It is fine to return the laptop when it is still powered on, as it will automatically shut down when you plug it back into the locker.

Return a laptop

To return a laptop to the locker, you need to:

  • scan your University ID card barcode at the locker. Alternatively, type in your barcode number using the 'Enter Code' button and the on-screen keypad.
  • press “Return”
  • the screen will tell you which bay to go to, the light for that bay will start flashing and it will unlock with a click
  • pull the handle to open the bay
  • carefully plug the laptop in and close the door
  • press ‘Finish’ on the screen.

You will receive a return receipt in your University email account.

Get support

Please go to the library help desk if you have any issues when using the laptops, for example:

  • the locker doors not opening
  • the screen telling you to return a laptop to a bay that already has a laptop inside
  • the laptop has technical problems
  • you notice that the laptop is damaged in some way.

For other IT-related enquiries, visit the IT website.