Loaning technology to students for 20 years

The Rhonda G. Tubbs Tech Toolshed on the Main Library’s 1st floor is where University of Arizona students borrow technology and equipment ranging from laptops, cameras, and hard drives to iPads, hotspots, web cams, calculators, and more. 

The best part? The service is free – funded in part by donations and grant-sponsored projects, such as Project Connect Arizona Now, managed by our Technology Lending Supervisor, Amir Hassibi, and the Access and Information Services department which oversees the operations.

University Libraries have been loaning laptops and other devices to students since 2006. Our goal has remained consistent those 20 years: ensure that every student has access to the technology they need, especially as students' financial need increases and technology rapidly evolves. 

This service is just one way our staff works to support every student’s success–one of the university’s three strategic imperatives. 

Students share their feedback overcoming obstacles

Anthony Aguirre, undergraduate student, College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences

Thanks to the equipment I didn't have any trouble using any of the Microsoft Office programs and I was able to take it with me anywhere and have secure internet without any lag around South Yuma County and Yuma County. I am grateful for this amazing opportunity given to us transfer students at the Yuma campus of U of A. Thanks to this I was able to complete everything I had to for this semester and look forward to next semester.

Shaun Brown, graduate student, Management of Information Systems

The long-term equipment pilot program, which has been instrumental in my academic journey, has allowed me to complete all of my classes online for my master's in MIS. It has provided me with a portable hotspot, a lifeline in places where internet access is scarce.

Armed with just a laptop and essential applications like Microsoft and Google, I have been able to diligently complete all of my online assignments, a crucial step in my master's program. Without the program, I would face significant challenges in completing my assignments and even in filling out the FASFA application online, a crucial step in paying for my classes. As a working student and parent, I am acutely aware of the financial constraints and lack of resources that prevent me from purchasing a laptop. The only alternative would be to take out a private loan, further burdening me as I strive to succeed in college while juggling work and parenting responsibilities.

Jazmin Casillas, Master of Education, graduated 2024

I truly appreciated the long distant program. The is year I spent both fall and spring semester student teaching in which I was not able to access the districts internet. Creating lesson plans, using media, and building my skills of an educator. Being able to use a hotspot has helped me largely in being able to accomplish my degree

Sabrina Ceniceros-Elias, undergraduate student, Psychology

The student equipment long term program is such an amazing opportunity for students who are in need or struggle with being able to proceed with school due to the lack of resources. It is so helpful and takes off a load of stress for students knowing they will be able to complete their school assignments and do their courses in a timely manner and to be able to work on it at anytime during the day because we know libraries aren’t open 24/7. If this program did not exist, I do not think I would be able to afford taking courses due to the lack of computer equipment at home or continue with my education.

Rebecca Dishaw, undergraduate student, Public Health and Administration

The hotspot device I borrowed has been a vital tool in maintaining steady access to my coursework, clinical materials, and communication with instructors. Reliable internet has helped me stay organized and engaged, especially during high workload weeks. Without this program, I would have struggled with frequent connectivity issues that could easily undermine my academic progress.

Valentin Mesa, undergraduate student, Sustainable Built Environments

The long-term equipment program has helped me immensely in being a successful student. I reside on the San Xavier Reservation in which we lack the infrastructure that allows for adequate access to internet service. We are reliant on mobile hotspot devices that have data caps, and the cost associated is often a financial burden. Had the long-term equipment pilot program not existed I would have faced barriers to being a successful student.

Matthew Nosal, Master of Education, graduated 2024

I don’t know how I would have been able to complete my M.Ed. and student teaching internship this year without the long-term technology provided by the library. As an unpaid intern, I cannot afford my own laptop and my district was unable to provide me with one. All of my classwork, lesson plans, and grading from this entire school year was accomplished using this borrowed technology. The folks running the program have been outstandingly kind, helpful, and professional. I hope in the future more students are provided with this same opportunity.

Zoya Oyzerovich, Master of Science in Nursing, graduated 2024

The long-term equipment has made a huge difference in my access to education. When I had started my nursing program my laptop had recently stopped working. On top of purchasing books, I was really stressed out on how I was going to find the money to purchase a new laptop additional to our book list. My professor had sent me a link so I could sign up to borrow a laptop, hotspot and headphones. Having these resources available has released a huge financial burden so that I could focus more on school instead of working additional hours and juggling our massive coursework and clinical rotations. 

LaCher Pacheco, Ph.D. candidate, Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural Studies

For almost a year, I worked on the loaner [laptop and hotspot] and was able to write my paper for my comprehensive exam. I passed my oral and written comps. I took my exam using the laptop and the hotspot. I wrote my IRB [Institutional Review Board] submission and paper for my dissertation proposal using the loaner. I returned it today. The equipment bag and headphones traveled with me to three conferences, and I felt proud to have a University-sponsored device.

I somehow managed my time better this past year, and I applied for three new scholarships. I was awarded the Haury Research Award, and I am a 2025-2026 Carson Scholar. I am happy to report that this will be the first time I will have my tuition and financial needs met. Thank you for the gift of time and support. I was able to shine with your long-term equipment loaner program.

There are so many obstacles, and one challenge is access to equipment and parking, as well as access to parking spaces close to the library. I avoided campus this year. In prior semesters, I would visit the Main Library every 15 days to renew the hotspot and laptop. I used to pay a parking fee of $3. This year, I worked from home and accomplished an impossible dream. I am a Ph.D. candidate who has an opportunity to graduate in May 2026.

Patricia Palade, graduate student, Nursing

The long-term equipment pilot program was a crucial resource during a challenging time in my studies. When my laptop needed repairs, leaving me without a device, borrowing a laptop allowed me to stay on top of mandatory classwork and assignments. Additionally, the hotspot was invaluable when I faced ongoing Wi-Fi issues at home, providing reliable internet access for online coursework and submissions.

Without this program, my academic progress would have been severely impacted. Delayed assignments, missed resources, and added stress could have jeopardized my success. The program ensured I could stay productive and focused despite technical challenges, and I’m extremely grateful for its support.

Gianna Whitmore, undergraduate student, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

This program has positively impacted my studies by allowing me to do coursework at a much faster rate and where it was most convenient for me. I have a laptop, but it is much older and slower than the one I loaned with this program. So being able to have the laptop, headset, and hotspot for my first semester was really helpful. If this program did not exist, I think that I would have had to deal with really slow internet speeds as well as stress-induced time management, making it one more problem to deal with among all my other personal problems. Being able to not worry about financials for technology has allowed me to succeed academically.

Related: 
Amir Hassibi honored as Project Connect Arizona Now concludes, Feb. 2, 2026

Tech lending by the numbers