The John Cotton Dana Library has begun making short-term loans of 15 Apple iPad 2s to students at Rutgers University-Newark, effective Sept. 28.

The 16 GB iPad 2s, the second generation of the device, can be checked out from the Circulation Desk for up to four hours, with the option of two in-person, three-hour renewals if there is at least one other iPad available for others to borrow. They may be used in or out of the library.

Certain restrictions apply. Renewals must be done in person, not by phone or by virtual means. The iPad 2s must be returned to the Circulation Desk within 30 minutes of the library closing time. Returns must be made at Dana Library, and not to any other Rutgers library. Students are also requested to report any problems with the iPad 2 to library staff upon return.

You don't have to own an iPad 2 in order to take advantage of its abilities to take notes in the classroom, or record and edit videos or photos, or connect to the internet for research, or communicate with fellow students or professors.

For more complete information, please read iPad Borrowing: Policy and Procedures, issued on Sept. 18.

 Information about using the iPad 2 can be obtained from the iPad LibGuide.