Universal Charger

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/SMFA libraries. 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.       COVID-19 Safety Policies

II.     Conditions of Use

III.     Damage, loss or theft

IV.      Support

I. COVID-19 Safety Policies

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.  

• A mask is required at all times when entering the SMFA building and the library to pick-up/return equipment

II. Conditions of Use

If you are unclear about how to use a piece of equipment, please don't hesitate to reach out to smfalibrary@tufts.edu with the subject SMFA Lib Equipment to schedule a time to review best practices.   

• 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 SMFA 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.
• 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 an equipment or the equipment itself is returned late you will automatically receive an email that the item has been marked as lost.  The item will be taken out of circulation and a staff member will reach out to you to discuss prompt return of the item. The item 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 the SMFA Library staff at sephora.bergiste@tufts.edu with the words SMFA Lib Equipment in the subject as soon as damage occurs.  If any component of an item 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 the SMFA Library staff at sephora.bergiste@tufts.edu with the words SMFA Lib Equipment as soon as theft occurs.  You must file a report with TUPD and present to Tisch Library Staff and/or schedule a meeting with Tisch library staff.