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Welcome, Student!

This guide will help you navigate the SWL Library Management System as a student user. Learn how to request equipment, borrow books, and manage your loans effectively.

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Getting Started

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Creating Your Account

1

Navigate to Registration

Go to the registration page at /auth/register
2

Fill in Your Information

  • Full name
  • Document ID (this will be your username)
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Select role: Cliente (Student)
  • Enter your program name (e.g., “Computer Science”, “Engineering”)
3

Create Your Password

Choose a secure password and confirm it
4

Submit and Login

After successful registration, you’ll be redirected to the login page

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Logging In

1

Access the Login Page

Navigate to /auth/login
2

Enter Credentials

  • Document ID (the one you registered with)
  • Password
3

Access Your Dashboard

After login, you’ll be redirected to your personal dashboard at /dashboard
Bookmark your dashboard page for quick access to all your loans and requests!

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Requesting Equipment

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Requesting a Laptop

1

Navigate to Laptop Request

From your dashboard, click on “Request Laptop” or go to /request/laptop
2

Select a Laptop

Choose from the available laptops in the catalog. You’ll see:
  • Laptop model and brand
  • Number of units available
3

Choose Environment

Select where you’ll use the laptop:
  • Interno: Inside the library
  • Externo: Outside the library (take home)
4

Submit Request

Click submit to send your request to the librarian for approval
Important Restrictions:
  • Students can only request one laptop at a time
  • You cannot request another laptop while you have one pending, active, or overdue
  • Wait for approval before picking up your equipment

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Requesting Accessories

As a student, you can request general accessories like headphones, chargers, and other non-computing equipment.
1

Go to Accessory Request

Navigate to /request/accessory from your dashboard
2

Select Accessory

Choose from available general accessories (computing equipment is reserved for premium users)
3

Specify Quantity

Enter how many units you need (up to your limit)
4

Submit

Send your request for librarian approval
Students can request up to 2 accessories simultaneously. This limit helps ensure fair access for all users.

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Requesting Books

1

Browse Book Catalog

Navigate to /request/book to see available books
2

Select a Book

Choose from the catalog showing:
  • Book title
  • Author
  • Available copies
3

Submit Request

Click to request the book
4

Visit the Library Desk

After your request is approved, go to the library desk to pick up your book
Book loans are automatically set with a 15-day due date from approval. Plan accordingly!

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Managing Your Loans

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Checking Loan Status

Your dashboard (/dashboard) displays all your loans with the following statuses:
  • Pendiente (Pending): Awaiting librarian approval
  • Activo (Active): Approved and in your possession
  • Atrasado (Overdue): Past the due date - return immediately!
  • Devuelto (Returned): Successfully returned
  • Rechazado (Rejected): Request was denied

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Understanding Due Dates

Each loan has a due date displayed in your dashboard:
  • Equipment loans: Typically 15 days from approval
  • Book loans: 15 days from approval
The system automatically converts UTC times to Colombia time (UTC-5) for display.
Late Returns: Returning items late may result in penalties. Books accrue a daily fine after the due date.

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Penalties for Late Books

The system automatically calculates penalties for overdue books:
  • Penalty starts accumulating the day after the due date
  • Default rate: $5,000 COP per day
  • Penalty is frozen and recorded when you return the book
  • No penalties for non-book items
Check your dashboard regularly to avoid late fees. Set reminders a day before your due dates!

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Profile Management

Access your profile at /profile to:
  • View your personal information
  • See your complete loan history
  • Check your program affiliation
  • Review contact details
To update your profile information (email, phone, program), contact a system administrator.

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Best Practices

Request equipment a day before you need it to allow time for librarian approval during business hours.
Set calendar reminders 1-2 days before due dates. Early returns are always appreciated!
When picking up laptops or accessories, verify the condition with the librarian. Report any issues immediately.
Remember your restrictions:
  • 1 laptop maximum
  • 2 accessories maximum
  • No access to specialized computing equipment
Ensure your email and phone are current so librarians can reach you about your requests.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common reasons:
  • You already have an active laptop loan
  • The item became unavailable
  • You have overdue items
Check the observation field in your dashboard for the specific reason.
The current system processes one book request at a time. Submit separate requests for multiple books.
Contact the library desk before your due date to request an extension. Extensions are granted case-by-case.
Bring items to the library desk during operating hours. The librarian will process the return in the system and clear your loan.
Yes! Contact a system administrator to upgrade your account to premium status for access to specialized equipment and higher limits.

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Need Help?

If you encounter issues:
  1. Technical Problems: Contact the system administrator
  2. Loan Questions: Visit the library desk or contact the librarian
  3. Account Issues: Reach out to an administrator for profile updates
You’re now ready to make the most of the SWL Library Management System as a student user!

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