Email williamscirc@gmail.com or call 413-597-2501. We're happy to help!
Q: How do I reserve equipment?
A: Equipment can be reserved through the library website, but these requests must be for a duration of less than 72 hours.
Q: How do I get equipment for longer than three days?
A: You will need to email williamscirc@gmail.com several days in advance. Additionally, students will need a faculty/staff sponsor for long-term equipment loans. All requests should include the following information: the specific equipment needed, the preferred check out date, and the preferred return date.
Q: Will I get an email confirmation when I reserve equipment on the website?
A: No, our system does not generate confirmation emails. To confirm your reservations, log in to your library account and check under the ‘Requests’ tab.
Q: Are equipment reservations required?
A: We welcome walk-ins, but reservations are recommended for high-demand equipment such as PA systems.
Q: Who can borrow equipment?
A: Current Williams faculty, staff, and students with a valid Williams ID.
Q: Where and when can I pick up and return equipment?
A: Equipment may be checked out from and returned to the Sawyer Library circulation desk anytime the library is open.
Q: Can someone else pick up the equipment I reserved?
A: Faculty/staff who wish to have another faculty/staff member pick up their equipment may email williamscirc@gmail.com at least three days in advance to make arrangements. Equipment will be checked out to the library account of the original person making the reservation; that same person will also assume responsibility for the care and safe return of that equipment.
Q: What happens if I return equipment late?
A: You should make every effort to return equipment on time; often another person has reserved equipment for use following the due date. That said, you will receive email reminders that equipment is overdue. Equipment that is not returned will be declared lost, and a ‘lost item replacement fee’ for the full cost of the item will be added to your account. Additionally, repeated violations of the loan policies could also result in loss of equipment borrowing privileges.
Q: What happens if I lose equipment?
A: The person who checks out the equipment assumes full financial responsibility for lost or damaged equipment. In the case of lost equipment, the library will charge the full replacement cost of the equipment to your account.
Q: What happens if I return equipment damaged?
A: Whenever possible, the library will only charge your account for the cost of the required replacement part(s). If replacement parts are not available, then you will be charged the full replacement cost of the item.
Q: What happens if I return equipment with dirt or other debris on it?
A: The library will charge a cleaning fee to your account. Additionally, repeated violations of the loan policies could result in loss of equipment borrowing privileges.