Technology Lending: Just Like Any Other Collection, Sort Of

Technology lending or equipment lending has long been a staple of academic libraries. Think back a few years ago and you’ll probably remember calculators, tape recorders, point and shoot cameras, and projectors being loaned out at your library. Past was certainly prologue in this collection as Clemson University Libraries made a deliberate decision to upgrade the technology being loaned out in the spring of 2012 to keep up with the changing needs of students, faculty, and staff. Some of the initial upgraded items included DSLR cameras, camera lenses, iPads, tripods, microphones, and digital voice recorders. Over the past five and a half years more technology has been added to the lending collection including higher-end DSLR cameras, Xbox and PlayStation consoles and games, mobile green screens, and virtual reality equipment. A technology lending collection is similar to any other collection an academic library may have, but different in many ways. Learn how to get started with technology lending or upgrading your current lending practices by assessing your needs and creating and managing a technology lending fund.