Goal

Our goal with the circulating media equipment service is to expand and enhance the technology patrons have access to for engaging in media production.  We aim to meet the needs of a range of use cases, from recording an event to deep engagement in digital scholarship projects through focused workshops and courses.  
 
Our policies in conjunction with staff training, support documents and workshops help to encourage proper usage and care for the equipment from patrons.  This service is funded through a budget provided to the Tisch library.  We have a very limited budget for the replacement of broken and stolen items.  Loss, damage and theft of items in the equipment pool affects all patrons and compromises the sustainability of the service.
 

I.       Reservations
II.      Conditions of Use
III.    Damage, loss or theft
IV.    Support

I. Reservations

  • Equipment can be reserved for up to 7 days, 2 weeks in advance with no renewals at this time.

  • Patrons can reserve one kit of each kind per reservation to ensure availability of media equipment for community members.  For example, one Photo Kit, one Tripod Kit and one Audio Recording Kit would be allowed in one reservation.

  • All patrons must sign the Equipment Policy form every academic year in order to checkout equipment.  

  • The library staff will not hold borrowed equipment for patrons for any reason.

 

Pickup: All media equipment will be loaned from the Front Circulation Desk at the entrance of Tisch Library.  Equipment not picked up within 24 hours will automatically be returned and placed back into circulation.  Inspect all equipment prior to leaving Tisch library for missing or damaged components.  Once  you leave the building you assume responsibility for returning all items in working order.

 

Cancellation: To cancel a reservation, please visit the Circulation Desk at Tisch, call 617-627-3347 or email tischdds@tufts.edu.  We strongly encourage patrons to cancel when no longer needing a reservation.  This opens up the equipment to community members more quickly than letting the reservation expire without notifying Tisch library staff.  

 

Return: Equipment must be returned to a staff member at the Tisch Library Circulation Desk at the designated return time.  See Section IV Damage, loss and theft for details on items that are not returned on-time.  Equipment borrower assumes full responsibility for damage, loss or theft. 

 

II. Conditions of Use

If you are unclear about how to use a piece of equipment, you can refer to our media equipment guides or reach out to tischdds@tufts.edu to schedule a time to review the equipment.

  • Handle the equipment carefully.  Do not use equipment in the rain or place items in sand/dirt environments

  • Never leave the equipment unattended!  

  • All equipment should be returned in the condition it was received.

  • All equipment must be returned to a staff member at the Tisch Library Circulation Desk, not through the book drop.  

  • Patron who checked out the equipment must be present for the entire return process to allow staff the opportunity to bring attention to any missing components.

  • Upon return, all media equipment will be cleaned with 99% alcohol.  Please do not spray any media equipment with anti-bacterial spray as it can cause damage; microphones and lenses are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive moisture.  

  • Equipment borrower assumes full responsibility for damage, loss or theft.  

  • Tufts University is not responsible for any files left or lost on media equipment or damage of the user’s files during the loan period.  Any files saved on media equipment is automatically removed when the equipment is returned and cannot be recovered.

III. Damage, loss or theft

  • If equipment is returned:

    • Late: if any component of a kit or an entire kit is returned late you will automatically receive an email that the item has been marked as lost.  The kit will be taken out of circulation and a staff member will reach out to you to discuss prompt return of the item.  The kit will not be able to circulate until the item is returned which impacts other Tufts community members.  If this is a reoccurring problem, a meeting will take place with a staff member to discuss appropriate actions. 

    • Damage: you are required to contact DDS staff at TischDDS@tufts.edu as soon as damage occurs.  If any component of a kit is returned damaged a staff member will reach out to you to discuss appropriate actions. You will not be able to checkout any media equipment until a meeting has taken place with a staff member to discuss appropriate actions that may include mandatory training on equipment, placing a hold on your account for media equipment checkout, or revoking of media equipment privilege for the semester or academic year.

    • Loss: all items not present at the time of return will be assumed lost.  You will not be able to checkout any media equipment until a meeting has taken place with a staff member to discuss appropriate actions, including extending the hold on your account for media equipment checkout and revoking of media equipment privilege for the semester or academic year.

    • Theft: you are required to contact DDS staff at TischDDS@tufts.edu as soon as theft occurs.  You must file a report with TUPD and present to DDS Staff and/or schedule a meeting with Tisch library staff.  

IV. Support

Check out our media equipment guides or stop by the Digital Design Studio on the third floor of Tisch Library.  Staff offices are located in room 301 and Studio Assistants are available in room 303 to help as well! 




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