Netloan makes it easy for students to plan and book their PC time. The web-based interface is compatible with mobile browsers so they can quickly check availability and book ahead.
If already in the library, students can simply walk up to an available PC, view on the screen how long it’s available for, and login using their usual credentials. They can also use the kiosk screen to view which PCs are available throughout the library.
To get the most out of PC resources, libraries need flexibility to manage session times, number of sessions, and maximum minutes allowed. Netloan is extremely agile in how it lets you apply and manage these booking rules. Flexibility can be applied by user group as well as by group of PCs.
All users are authenticated through a connector to the LMS or Activity Directory database. Netloan applies and tracks each user’s time allowance according to their user group settings.
Resource usage is further optimised through applying time constraints on screen locking, and for managing grace periods for late or no shows.
Students are able to maintain good awareness of their remaining session length. The clear countdown clock – which can be positioned to wherever required on the screen – and netloan messaging allow them to plan their session and save their work in plenty of time before session end.
Onscreen messaging enables staff to communicate with students, either individually or by group. Messages can be set up in advance and display upon login, e.g. to advertise new opening hours, events, or individual library fine reminders. Staff can also message students onscreen as needed during a session, remotely end their session, and identify a user by name.
The web-based admin interface allows for easy adjustment of settings and access to reports.
Admin tools cover opening hours, PC shutdown, messaging and interface customisation. It also facilitates broken PC management, with the ability to apply a ‘do not login’ screen display to any broken units.
Usage reporting by site or user group can help build usage profiles of library resources for different dates or time periods.
Admin tools also allow staff to exercise discretion in resource access, overriding maximum minutes for a user to allow further PC time, adjusting web access restrictions, or retaining a PC or group of PCs for staff bookings only.
At the end of each session, netloan ensures that there is no security risk by automating a full log off which clears user profiles and removes any personal data from the PC.
As all users begin their session by logging in and authenticating to Active Directory or your LMS, all PC usage is identified and tracked. If the external database is down for any reason, a cached mode continues to allow authentication.
Bookings for groups of PCs are easy to administer and facilitate. Netloan allows for the easy set up and management of group bookings to support classes or project work. The flexibility in netloan allows group bookings to be configured so as not to impact an individual’s PC time allowance.
It’s easy for staff users with the right access permissions to create new group bookings for either themselves or on behalf of another user. They can select which PCs are to be included, and have the option to create a session PIN code to issue to participants.