Students use the M.I.L.K machine, Murphy iPad Lending Kiosk,
to check an iPad out by swiping their campus ID and grabbing an iPad. The iPad
is available for check-out for four hours and can be used in or outside of the
library. To return the iPad, put it in an empty slot.
Librarian Heather Jett originally had the idea to purchase
an iPad kiosk. “I can’t remember where I first saw the kiosk—somewhere
online. It’s an eye-catching device and having the kiosk to perform the resets
for the iPads saves a significant amount of staff time as well.”
iPad check-out is a free service provided by the library and
its budget. Jett adds, “We are grateful to the Provost for providing the
funding for the machine.”
Jett is not the only librarian involved in the process, Kate
Russell, who specializes in library systems and technology, participated in
buying the kiosk and getting it up and running.
“The kiosk has been an exciting addition to the library. I
am pleased with how well it has worked and how easy it is to use. Last week,
our kiosk checked out more iPads than any of the other kiosks supported by Tech
Logic, the company we purchased it from.”
Late fees for the iPads run for .16 per minute or $10 an
hour; if the iPad is lost or damaged fines can run up to $600.
Apps installed on the iPads range from free games to interactive
learners. For the full list access, http://www2.uwlax.edu/MurphyLibrary/Services/Using-the-library/iPad-apps/.
