middbrief College drills to curb computer theft

Author: Bryant Cobb

In response to a student request received by the Dean of Library and Information Services last year, Facilities Services has drilled holes in 300 study carrels in Middlebury's libraries to reduce and prevent laptop theft. The laptop lockdown cables are relatively easy to use. There is a small key at one end that allows the user to connect the cable to the computer, and the other end of the cable can be wrapped around the newly drilled holes in order to anchor the computer to the study carrel. Originally, Facilities Services thought of installing hardware into the carrels but soon realized that drilling holes in carrels was easier and more cost-effective. The purpose of the cables and the holes is to avoid computer theft on campus. Over the past year, library staff has noted that there have been some laptop thefts in the libraries.

"There have been laptops stolen from the library when students left them for just a few minutes, to go get coffee, search for a book, etc.," wrote Preservation and Processing Manager Joseph Watson in an e-mail. Before Library and Information Services requested that Facilities drill the holes, it was nearly impossible for students to use the laptop lockdown cables in conjunction with study carrels, as there was no place where students could connect the cables to the carrels.

In order to encourage students to use the laptop lockdown cables, Library and Information Services has begun a vigorous campaign to inform students that it is now easier than ever to avoid laptop theft. Students going to the library for the remainder of the year will see signs that encourage students to buy lockdown cables from the College Book Store and regularly use them in the library. According to Watson, "It is now up to individuals to take the responsibility to ensure that their computers are safe in libraries. Library and Information Services and Facilities Services have made it much easier for students to keep their laptops safer."