Approved January 11, 2020
Purpose
In fulfilling the Library’s mission to provide access to information and educational resources, Lincoln County Public Library lends mobile wireless hotspots to Library patrons through the “Internet to Go” service.
Terms and Conditions
A laptop consists of the device itself as well as its charger and case. A “hotspot” consists of the mobile wireless hotspot device itself, as well as its charger and case. When a patron borrows a laptop and/or mobile hotspot, the patron’s use of the equipment is available under the following terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are in addition to the standard Library policies (notably the Library’s Equipment Loan Policy) and other terms and conditions described below for which the user is responsible.
In order to borrow a hotspot, patrons must be 18 years of age or older and have a Lincoln County Public Library card in good standing (no fines or overdue items and no history of a delinquent account). Since the Wi-Fi hotspot and laptop benefits the whole household, ALL members of a household with existing library cards must be good standing (no fines or overdue items and no history of a delinquent account) in order to be eligible to check-out a Wi-Fi hotspot.
New card holders must establish a positive borrowing record for 3 consecutive months with at least 3 checkouts. Or place a credit card on file. Or place a refundable deposit of $300 to borrow the equipment.
At the time of checkout, the borrowing patron must present his/her library card and state-issued ID. Upon checkout, Library staff will confirm, in the presence of the borrowing patron, that all items are present in the laptop and hotspot kit. The patron must sign the Library’s Laptop & Hotspot Agreement before a laptop and/or hotspot can be checked out. Only one laptop and hotspot may be borrowed per household at any one time. The loan period for the hotspot is 21 days with no grace period and no renewals.
The Library will accept holds on the hotspot and laptop. Patrons will be notified by phone only when their hold is ready for pick-up. Patrons will have 48 hours from the time of this notification call to check out the hotspot, after such time it will be released to another patron. This hold period may be extended, at the discretion of the Library, due to Library hours of operation.
Overdue hotspots will be deactivated at closing on the day the hotspot is due. Overdue fines will accrue at $5.00 per day up to the maximum replacement cost of the kits. Patrons are not permitted to return laptops and/or hotspots to the Library’s book drop. Rather, laptops and/or hotspots must be returned directly to a Library staff member, who will verify that all components are accounted for before checking it in from the borrowing patron’s account. The laptop and/or hotspot will not be considered returned until all components of the laptop and/or hotspot are returned.
By borrowing and initiating use of the Library’s laptop and/or hotspot, the user agrees to abide by the Library’s policies and rules, and agrees to hold the Library and its agents harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities, directly or indirectly, relating to the use of the Library’s laptop and/or hotspot and internet access provided by the Library. Deliberate altering of any files or modifying the configuration of Library-owned equipment is strictly prohibited. The Library reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who abuse equipment or who are repeatedly late in returning materials.
Internet service relies on cell tower technology and coverage. Service outside the continental United States is prohibited; any fees associated with use outside of this area will be the responsibility of the borrower. User experience can vary based on location. The Library is not responsible for personal information shared over the internet or for information or websites accessed. The Library is not responsible for any liability, damages, or expense resulting from the use of the hotspot. A hotspot can provide internet access for up to 10 devices.
The borrowing patron will be responsible for lost or damaged laptops, hotspots and accessories (includes theft thereof). Patrons must be mindful of current replacement costs of laptops, mobile hotspots and accessories before borrowing, as he or she will be responsible for paying the actual replacement cost of a damaged or lost laptop, hotspot device or accessories. If the Library is able to replace the lost or damaged laptop, hotspot and/or accessories at no charge to the Library, patrons may be charged $5.00 per day (up to the full retail cost of the item) until replacement device and/or accessories are placed into service for the next borrower.
When an item becomes overdue, borrowing privileges will be blocked until the item is returned. After 24 hours, unreturned equipment may be considered stolen or lost. Charges for full replacement value may be imposed on the credit card on file. Local police may be notified to initiate an investigation.
Laptops and hotspots must be kept in a temperature-controlled environment (not left in vehicles or in extreme temperatures).
Parents/guardians are responsible for the use of the laptop and hotspot by minors.
Unlawful use of the internet or use that violates the Lincoln County Public Library policies is prohibited and may result in the loss of privileges. The Library prohibits the use of its devices for the display or downloading of pornographic or obscene materials.