Whether wrapping up a big deadline, putting the finishing touches on a class presentation, or unwinding to blow off some steam, all students need access to dependable and up-to-date technology. And with costs rising across the board, the ability to borrow scientific calculators, chargers, and other devices at no cost can make all the difference.

Over the last three years, the Associated Students of the University of California, Irvine (ASUCI) has donated more than $15,000 in items to UC Irvine Libraries to bolster and expand the types of equipment available for checkout.

With demand for the Libraries’ loanable technology continuing to grow, these donations have become even more crucial, and ASUCI is helping meet the challenge. With the help of ASUCI, Science Library Circulation Manager Diane Herrera explains that the Libraries can replace and upgrade more equipment to ensure availability for students, faculty, and staff in need. In the 2024-2025 academic year alone, more than 12,000 items were checked out, including 4,385 chargers, 3,709 laptops, 1,462 scientific calculators, 879 headphones, 805 iPads, and 768 cameras and camcorders. Other devices available include gaming consoles like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, virtual reality headsets, tripods, DVD players, bike locks, and wellness devices such as white noise machines and light therapy lamps.

The most recent ASUCI donations this spring include a DJI Osmo Camera, Celestron telescope, Bluetooth headphones, Apple Pro Pencils, and power banks, all of which are now available for checkout.

To get started, Herrera has some simple advice: “If you have questions, visit the checkout desk. We’re happy to help — all you need is a UC Irvine ID!” The Libraries’ Frequently Asked Questions webpage offers additional information on the checkout limits for each item as well as late return fees. For a complete list of the lendable equipment available, visit the UC Irvine Libraries’ Equipment Lending webpage.