How to Borrow a Laptop, Gaming Console, or Other Device from NC State University Libraries

You can borrow devices through the Borrow a Device task link on the NC State University Libraries homepage (lib.ncsu.edu). The homepage lists laptops and gaming consoles among the borrowable items, and the same "Common Tasks" area is the starting point for finding a study space, reserving a room, and asking for help. Use this route when you need short-term access to hardware rather than a purchased device; the site does not state loan periods, eligibility rules, or availability, so confirm those with the library before relying on a specific item.

Where to Start on the Homepage

The homepage organizes its most-used services under Common Tasks. The relevant entries are:

• Find a Space — pick a study spot or get directions
• Reserve a Room — for study sessions or meetings
• Borrow a Device — borrow laptops, gaming consoles, and more
• Ask Us — email, chat, call, or visit for help

The Borrow a Device link is the direct entry point for hardware. If you are unsure whether a particular item is available or whether you qualify, Ask Us is the listed contact channel for questions.

What Kinds of Devices Are Listed

The homepage names two categories explicitly:

The homepage does not publish a full equipment list, so treat "laptops, gaming consoles, and more" as the scope the site supports and check the Borrow a Device page itself for the current inventory.

Step-by-Step: From Homepage to Device Request

1. Open lib.ncsu.edu. The homepage loads with the Common Tasks panel among the primary entry points.
2. Locate Common Tasks. The panel sits alongside research tools such as Databases, Journal Titles, Course Reserves, and Textbooks.
3. Select Borrow a Device. This is the action labeled for borrowing laptops, gaming consoles, and more.
4. Review the device options presented. The homepage does not describe the request form, so read the Borrow a Device page for the actual item list and any stated conditions.
5. Ask Us if anything is unclear. Use email, chat, phone, or an in-person visit — all four are listed as contact methods.

Expected result: you reach the device-borrowing service rather than a general research page. Verification: the page you land on should be specifically about borrowing equipment, not about study spaces or room reservations.

Common Stumbling Points

• Confusing the three space-related tasks. Find a Space is for picking a study spot, Reserve a Room is for study sessions or meetings, and Borrow a Device is for hardware. They are separate links, so choosing the wrong one sends you to an unrelated service.
• Assuming the homepage lists every device. It gives examples, not a catalog. If a specific console or laptop model matters to you, verify it on the Borrow a Device page.
• Expecting published loan terms. The homepage does not state borrowing periods, renewal rules, or fines. Do not infer them; ask through Ask Us.
• Overlooking Ask Us. It is the only support channel named on the homepage and covers email, chat, call, and in-person visits.

Related Services Worth Knowing

If your reason for borrowing a device is a specific kind of work, the homepage also points to specialized support:

• Data & Visualization — collaboration spaces and computing resources
• Digital Media Production — audio, music, video, and photography
• Makerspace — prototyping kits and 3D printers
• Gaming & VR — graphics, gaming, virtual reality, and augmented reality

These are separate from Borrow a Device, but they indicate where device-adjacent help lives if the equipment you need is tied to a project type. The homepage also shows real-time occupancy data for the Hill Library and Hunt Library by floor and space, which is useful when you plan to use a borrowed device on site.