Perhaps you're looking to do some research, surf the Internet, write a paper, or draft a response to that column in the newspaper. Yet you don't have a laptop with you on campus and you find the desktop computers in the library and computing labs a bit too ... stationary.

Now there's an appealing alternative.

The Rutgers University Libraries are pleased to offer a new laptop lending pilot project in Alexander Library, on the College Avenue Campus in New Brunswick. Starting Monday October 17th any Rutgers student, faculty, or staff can borrow a 2011 Netbook for use within the library for up to four hours. Each Netbook comes equipped with Internet Explorer, MicroSoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and other commonly used programs.

Internet access is available in Alexander Library via the RU Wireless service and users sign in by using their NetID. Documents prepared on the Netbooks can be printed in any OIT computing lab or for a small fee in the print release station in the Imaging Services area, on the lower level of Alexander Library.

Laptops can be borrowed on a first come, first served basis and reservations are not offered. There are ten Netbooks available through this program. Users must present a valid Rutgers ID to borrow a Netbook.

For more information on the laptop lending program, or to borrow a Netbook, please visit the circulation desk in Alexander Library.

This program is an expansion of the laptop loan initiative in the Rutgers University Libraries, which was initiated in the Art Library in fall 2010. A laptop loan program will also be introduced at the Kilmer Library, on the Livingston campus, later this semester.