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Equipment Booking: Protecting Your Data

Protecting Your Data

The library loans shared devices. All user data is removed upon return. 

The library is not responsible for lost files, photos, or other data. Be sure to back up your work to an external location before returning the device. Any data saved locally will be permanently erased.

For more details, see the appropriate shared device instructions below:

iPad Guidelines

If you would like to download any apps to the iPad you will need to use your own Apple ID. If you need to create an Apple ID please see these instructions

Ensure to sign out of the device to avoid Activation Lock:

  • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password.
  • If the device is returned without being signed out, library staff may not be able to reset the device, which may prevent future use until you remove your Apple ID remotely.

The iPad will be restored to factory settings upon return, which erases all apps, data and personal settings. For your privacy it is recommended that you reset the iPad yourself, therefore deleting your own content, before returning it:

  • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
  • Select Erase All Content and Settings, and follow the prompts.

Chromebook Guidelines

For your privacy, we recommend using “Browse as Guest” mode whenever possible. You can still browse the internet without any personal data being stored once the session ends. 

If you do choose to sign in with a Google Account, please:

  • Remember to log out before returning the device.
    • Locate and click on the power icon and select Sign Out.

Library staff will factory reset the Chromebook upon return. For your privacy, you may choose to powerwash the device, therefore deleting your own content, yourself before returning it:

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R at the login screen
  • Select Restart, then click Powerwash > Continue

Laptop Guidelines

All laptops are equipped with a system recovery software, which protects their security and prevents deletion of standard programs. Files saved outside of the designated folder will automatically be deleted when the device is shut down or restarted.

You may temporarily save files to the SAVE SPACE folder on the desktop or an external location (e.g. memory stick, external hard drive)

  • Files saved anywhere else (e.g. desktop, downloads folder) will be deleted when the laptop is shut down or restarted

Library staff will delete all documents from the SAVE SPACE folder upon return. For your privacy, you may wish to delete any personal files yourself before returning the laptop:

  • Select the file and press the Delete key, or;
  • Right click the file and choose Delete, or;
  • Drag file to Recycle Bin and then empty the Recycle Bin.