Laptops for Loan: How To

Contact Information

Contact library staff in the first instance. They will point you to relevant guides or find an IT Librarian who will give you help and advice.

IALS library has six laptops for loan available to students and academics located in the lockers on the 2nd floor.  All are internet ready with the latest version of Microsoft Office installed. 

Our laptops provide a convenient, additional resource for those who need quick access to a computer for legal research on library reading room floors without the need to bring their own laptop to the library.  

IALS laptops are freely available to,

All academic users of the library with a valid library card.  You will need your card details to log into IALS Lib Wi-Fi for full access to our databases.  Please see our guide on how to connect to IALS Lib Wi-Fi for more details.

• Touch the Borrow button on the screen screen of the laptop locker.
• Scan your library card barcode using Scanner 1 located under the touch screen and accept disclaimer.
• Note laptop locker number and time laptop is to be returned when it appears on screen.  The light inside the designated locker will start to flash.
• Scan your library barcode again using Scanner 2 on the right (under the lockers labelled 1-7). This will open the correct locker.
• Unplug the laptop from the power supply and network.
• Close locker door.

• Touch the Return button on the screen.
• Scan your library card using Scanner 1. The light inside the locker will start to flash and the door will unlock.
• Open the locker and place the laptop inside, making sure to connect the power cable and network cable.
• Close the door to the locker. The power status light will change to red indicating that the laptop has been correctly connected.
• If you need a receipt, touch Print Receipt button on the screen. Scan your card using Scanner 1.

Don't forget to connect the network and power cables when you return the laptop, otherwise the return will not be valid or complete.

Remember to print out a receipt as proof of return.

Can I take the laptop outside the library?

No. A laptop can only be used within the IALS library and cannot be taken outside for use in lecture rooms or the cafe.   

When do I have to return it by?

You need to return the laptop to the locker before closing time.  

Will I be fined for the late return of the laptop?

Yes.  Fines are charged for late returns at the rate of 50p per hour or part of one hour.  If you have experienced difficulties on trying to return a laptop, please let us know as it may be possible to reduce the fine.

Is it possible to reserve a laptop?

No.  Laptops are issued on a first come first served basis.  If  required, please contact us by phone before you arrive and we will check to see if a laptop is available.

I need to print.  Will it print to library printers on the 2nd floor and L2?

Yes. Each laptop has a remote connection to our multi-functional devices. You need to be connected to our IALS Lib Wi-Fi in order to send a print job to the device.   In addition, you will need to create a PaperCut account and add credit before you begin.

Is it possible for me to install additional software on the laptops?

No.  For security reasons, it is not possible to download or install any custom software for students.  However, if your software is linked to an online account (eg. Zotero, Endnote, RefWorks, Dropbox) you will be able to access these accounts via the web browsers installed on the laptop.

Can I access all library databases from the laptop?

Yes.  Our laptops are configured to use our IALS Lib Wi-Fi network which is enabled for all IALS databases, including Westlaw and Lexis.