DePaul University Library has a wide range of technology and equipment available for loan. This technology can be borrowed from the Access Services desk. Some items may only be available at the Richardson Library in Lincoln Park or at the Loop Library. Scroll below for a full listing of our loanable tech, or browse by the following categories:
Productivity Tools (cables, chargers, etc.)
Adapters, Cables and Connectors
Portable Battery Packs
Portable
battery packs available for checkout the Loop and Richardson Library. Each pack comes with the necessary cords for Apple and Android devices and can be requested at the circulation desk at either campus.
Calculators
Graphing calculators are available for loan at both the Richardson and Loop library. They can be checked out from the circulation desk.
DVD/CD Drives
DVD drives are available for loan in the Richardson Library and can be used at any Mac computer in the John T. Richardson Library to play DVDs or CDs. These devices can be checked out for 5 hours.
Audio / Visual / Gaming
Video Games and Consoles
DePaul University Library has a number of gaming consoles and video games available for checkout at both the Richardson and Loop Libraries. Visit the catalog to see the current list of all consoles, video games, and their availability:
Check game console availability Check video game availability
Cameras
Two
Canon DSLR cameras are available for checkout at the Richardson Library to current DePaul students, faculty and staff. Additional cameras, camcorders, tripods, and extra lenses are also available. View the full list of cameras and lenses and their availability:
Check camera and lens availability
Headphones
Headphones are available for checkout at both the Richardson and Loop Library to current DePaul students, faculty and staff.
Microphones
Webcams
Logitech HD
webcams are available for checkout at both the Lincoln Park and Loop Library circulation desks.
Portable Turntables
Two Victrola portable turntables are available at the Richardson Library to DePaul students, faculty and staff.
Experimental / Maker Technology
Robotics, circuitry, invention, and even brain wave sensing - experimental technology assists us by solving human problems as well as introducing new ways of teaching and learning. NOTE: Additional items may be required, like a computer or mobile device with internet access, and/or a free app download.
Cubelets Robot Blocks
No mobile device required, but you will need to charge the THINK Cubelet via USB. Apple or Android mobile device with bluetooth capability and app download from Apple App Store or Google Play optional to experience programming functions. Compatible with most Apple and Android mobile devices.
Every complex system is made up of smaller, very simple pieces that interact to create something bigger. Cubelets are small snap-together magnetic blocks that help teach how robotics work.
There are three types of cubelets: SENSE Cubelets, which are inputs. Inputs take in information like light, distance, and temperature. THINK Cubelets are little brains. They process information and send signals in the right direction. ACT Cubelets are outupts. They do things like make sounds, spin around, and light up.
To get started, simply connect a SENSE, THINK, and ACT Cubelet together and watch robot behaviors emerge. The enclosed recipe book will give you some ideas on how the sensors interact. Get the basics down and you can invent thousands of robots from your imagination. View Cubelets' full
getting started guide, with an extended recipe book.
Download the Cubelets app to transform your robot into a remote controlled robot, and read data sensor values on your mobile device. You can also optionally download the
Cubelets Blockly coding environment which allows you to customize your robot via syntax-free drag and drop programming.
Check availability of a Cubelet
LittleBits KORG Synth Kit
This item does not require any additional items and can be used alone. Plugging in to headphones or speakers is optional.
Explore the science of sound while creating modular instruments with this magnetic snap-together do-it-yourself synthesizer, co-designed by world renouned electronic music maker, KORG.
For further instructions, suggestions, and ideas, look at the LittleBits KORG
guidebook.
Check availability of the LittleBits kit
Makey Makey
This item requires a computer with USB ports. Most projects require internet access.
Learn how to create circuits and understand how they work with Makey Makey. Makey Makey is an interactive "invention" tool, allowing the user to create controller buttons that can interface with any computer. Makey Makey works like a USB keyboard or mouse by sending keyboard (WASD, spacebar, etc.) and mouse (left click, right click, etc.) signals to your computer.
Makey Makey Classic works through opening and closing circuits, just like any other button. Instead of the circuit being closed underneath your computer keyboard, the circuit is closed through conductive objects you connect with alligator clips like your hand, certain fruits, or some tinfoil. When the circuit is closed, the Makey Makey sends a command to your computer, like when a button is pressed on a keyboard.
- View
projects that have been created using Makey Makey.
- View a
quickstart guide that gives a general intro to the device and how to use it, along with simple flash games that can be played while using Makey Makey.
Check availability of a Makey Makey
Muse: The Brain Sensing Headband
Requires a mobile device with bluetooth capability: app download is free. Compatible with only iPhone 4s and higher, iPad 3 and higher, iPad mini 1 and higher and iPod Touch (5th Gen) and higher. View the
full list of compatible/uncompatible devices.
NOTE: Earphones/Headphones strongly recommended, but not required.
Muse is a "personal meditation assistant" headband that contains six sensors which physically touch the user's forehead and wraps around their ears. After a short calibration period, the Muse app plays relaxing sounds such as those of the beach or rainforest. While you meditate, the headband measures whether the user's mind is calm or active, and translates those signals into guiding sounds (birds or stormy weather).
When the user is calm, they will hear peaceful weather sounds. When the user's mind wanders, the weather will intensify.
After a meditation session, the user can review their data, set goals, and build a personalized meditation practice based on custom downloadable sessions. The goal, over time, is to maintain a sense of calm and train the brain to refocus in the wake of the distractions of everyday life.
Check availability of a Muse
Sphero Sprk + Robot
Sphero SPRK+ requires a mobile device with bluetooth capability. App download(s) also required. SPRK Lightning Lab app required for programming, regular Sphero app required for play. Compatible with most iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile devices.
Sphero Sprk+ is the educational version of the Sphero toy that allows invention and programming via the SPRK Lightning Lab app. This app uses code-block JavaScript programming which commands the robot to perform functions based on the code the user selects. No experience with JavaScript or coding is necessary, making it perfect as an introduction to coding for beginners of all ages.
- Watch videos of
Sphero Sprk+ in action.
- View activities and
coding curriculum for Sphero.
- Learn the basics of JavaScript programming from the
Sphero wiki.
- Read a
white paper describing Sphero's tech specs, gyroscopic insides and how it's being used in education.
Check availability of a Sphero SPRK