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Course & Subject Guides

Media Equipment Lending Program at Hillman Library

Information about the Equipment Lending Program at Hillman Library

Borrowing Equipment at Hillman Library

By borrowing items from the Media Production Equipment & Services Office , you are agreeing to our Borrower's Agreement and Terms of Use.

Hillman Equipment Collection:

  • All students, faculty, and staff with a current University of Pittsburgh ID card are eligible to borrow equipment during our hours of operation.

Course Reserve Equipment:

  • Only University of Pittsburgh students currently enrolled in designated classes, in good standing, and with a current University of Pittsburgh ID card are eligible to borrow equipment during our hours of operation.

For All:

  • All items must be inventoried and tested within one hour of checkout. If there are any issues with the equipment, they must be reported immediately.
  • Borrowers assume full responsibility for the replacement cost of any damaged or lost items.
  • Late items will accrue overdue fines at a rate of $10 per item, per day.
  • All equipment circulates on a first-come-first-served basis. Equipment cannot be reserved in advance.

Loan Periods & Renewals

All Equipment circulates for 3 days at a time.

Equipment loans are not eligible for renewals. The loan period for equipment is set at three days, and it is expected that the equipment will be returned promptly. We encourage borrowers to plan their usage accordingly to ensure the equipment is available for other patrons. Returning the item(s) within the designated time frame allows us to maintain the availability of equipment for other individuals who may need it.

If you are interested in borrowing the equipment again, we require that you return the item(s) and wait for a minimum of one hour. If the equipment is available, you are welcomed to borrow it again for another 3 day loan period.

Fines & Fees

Overdue items are subject to fines at a rate of $10 per item, per day.

It is important to note that if the equipment is overdue for a period of 24 hours or more, it will automatically be considered “lost.” In such cases, you will be billed for the replacement cost. We recommend returning the items as soon as possible to prevent this situation and associated charges.

In addition to the replacement cost, if items are not returned, a $15.00 lost item processing fee will be assessed. This fee covers the administrative costs involved in handling the lost item.

Items returned in conditions deemed unacceptable, such as smelling of smoke or exposed to food or water, will be subject to a $10 damages fee.

By adhering to the borrowing policies and promptly returning borrowed items, you can avoid overdue charges and help us maintain the availability of equipment for other users.

Overdue fines and replacement costs can be paid either in-person at the Donald S. Wood Service Desk or online via My Account. Please note that fines and fees are not eligible for refunds.

Best Practices for Borrowing Equipment

Borrower Responsibilities:

  1. You are responsible for all borrowed equipment. Do not leave equipment unattended, as you are accountable for its safety.
  2. Equipment theft during the borrowing period is the borrower's responsibility.
  3. Sharing equipment with others is not encouraged. Equipment is non-transferable and must be returned by the borrower who checked it out.
  4. Promptly notify library staff of any issues that arise while borrowing equipment.

Guidelines for Borrowing:

  1. Always have your ID card with you when checking out equipment.
  2. It is your responsibility to promptly inventory and test all pieces of equipment that you borrow.
  3. Keep items with their original bags, avoiding the switching of parts between kits.
  4. Treat equipment with respect and handle it carefully.
  5. Repack kits in their original condition before returning them.
  6. Ensure you have copied your data from the SD cards before returning borrowed items.
  7. Communicate any issues to Media Production Equipment & Services staff promptly.