NORFOLK – Add rechargeable jumper cables to the list of things that can be checked out at a library.
Jen Ippensen, director of library services, and Janet Seegebarth, library technology services specialist, have purchased a portable, rechargeable set that is available to Northeast Community College faculty and students who need a jump start.
Even though the weather has yet to turn cold when vehicles are more likely to need a jump start, it already has been checked out. And it worked perfectly.
Ippensen came up with the idea after having students ask her in the past for jumper cables.
“A lot of times they (students) just wanted to know, ‘What can be done?’” Ippensen said. “They need assistance and often they would have to call someone or pay someone to come out.”
The Northeast Library Team brainstormed and decided to invest in its own portable set. They decided to go with a portable set because there are times when a student is parked next to several vehicles and traditional jumper cables won’t reach them.
Anyone who checks out the rechargeable set is using it at his or her own risk. Northeast is not responsible for any injuries or losses that occur. The charger will jump five times before it needs to be recharged.
People can check it out for up to two hours, but it is expected to take 15 minutes or less in many cases.
The library is staffed in Union 73 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. It is getting worked out now for the charger to be available additional hours from the Service Center, so that will make it available some extended hours in the evening.
The Library Team is looking at possibly getting a portable air compressor as some students have low tires and request help. Once that portable air compressor is obtained, students will be able to check that out as well.
Portable jumper cables
Janet Seegebarth (left), library technology services, and Jen Ippensen, director of library services, display the small and light rechargeable battery charger available at Northeast to faculty and staff who need to jump start their vehicles. (Northeast Community College)
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