Leveling the Playing Field: Loaning Library Laptops for Community College Student Success

Community colleges serve underrepresented students, and these students often need additional supports from their institution to be successful in their academic goals. Brightpoint Community College Libraries began an emergency laptop lending program during the pandemic, which has expanded into a large, collegewide program, and has proven to be essential for students. Students using the laptop lending program show gains in multiple success metrics. In addition, access to technology has assisted students who are disproportionately affected by the digital divide, including students of color and resource-limited students. Libraries and colleges should look for student needs beyond the classroom and seek to creatively support their students in their goals.