kingston college

the beginning
The system in place before netloan was both convoluted and time consuming. It involved individual students queuing at the counter to hand in their ID card in order to gain access to the PCs. We were carrying out this process over 20,000 times a year which added up to a lot of hours that we wanted to invest elsewhere.

the choice
We discussed with other colleges what options were on the market and arranged to have a demo of netloan.  Seeing the system in practice really helped us to identify the benefits for our particular needs.  Our first impressions were that unlike other products on the market, netloan was visually very clear.

We also visited libraries using competitor products, however we discovered that they were not using advanced booking as they did not seem to trust the system enough.

the decision
The installation of netloan ran really smoothly. It took place on a Thursday and Friday leaving us up and running by the following Monday!

As our technicians had been involved at all stages from conception to installation they were completely behind the product. There were difficulties in cascading the information down to 18 part-time staff as the installation took place just one week before the start  of term.

the benefits
Through signage, user instructions and training, we are enabling students to learn the system effectively. The bespoke nature of the product promotes flexibility and benefits to staff of netloan have included:

  • increased efficiency
  • reduction in routine involvement with students
  • gives time for skill development with students
  • gives students a choice of which PCs to use and for how long (with set guidelines)
  • students can manage their own study

Now at the end of each day when everyone is logging off its an orderly and civilised process.

‘It has taken away a great deal of routine work from LRC staff at a time when student numbers were increasing’

 

For more information on how netloan could work for your organisation, give us a call on 01992 415500. 

To download this case study as a pdf, click here.