Mobile Device Borrowing Policy
The Library has a limited number of WiFi hotspots, Kindle Fire tablets, and laptop computers available for borrowing at the Hughes Library. WiFi hotspots and Kindle Fire tablets are also available at the branch libraries. Hotspots and Kindle Fire tablets are available for a 14-day checkout and laptop computers will be available only for in-library use for a four-hour period.
Who can borrow a Mobile Device?
- Patrons ages 18 and older may borrow the mobile devices.
- Patrons must have a valid Eastern Monroe Public Library card, be in good standing (under the $10 maximum fine threshold), and have a photo ID with a date of birth.
- Patrons must sign the Mobile Device Borrower Agreement form or have a signed form on file in order to check out a mobile device.
- Mobile devices are loaned on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons may place holds for Kindle Fire tablets. No holds will be accepted for laptop computers.
- One mobile device per person.
How long can I check out a Mobile Device?
Hotspots and Kindle Fire tablets may be checked out for a fourteen-day period. If checked out on a Tuesday, it will be due in two weeks on Tuesday by closing time. Laptop computers can be checked out for four hours for use within the Library only.
Laptops are available for on-site use on a first-come, first-served basis. Laptops must be checked out on the borrower’s own Library card and may not be removed from the Library premises.
Because Library laptops are available for on-site use and have a current replacement cost of $349.99, patrons borrowing a laptop must provide collateral to Library staff at the time of checkout. The patron must leave either a valid driver’s license/photo ID or vehicle keys with Library staff until the laptop and all accompanying equipment have been returned and inspected. The collateral will be returned to the patron after the laptop has been returned in satisfactory condition.
At the end of the four-hour period, the laptop must be returned to Library staff. A laptop may be renewed one time for an additional four-hour period, provided the patron brings the laptop to the Reference Desk to complete the renewal. The renewal is subject to availability and is not guaranteed. Additional renewals are not permitted. If another laptop is available after the renewal period, the patron may check out a laptop again, subject to availability and applicable checkout procedures.
When can I check out a Mobile Device?
Mobile devices may be checked out during all posted Library hours. WiFi hotspots and Kindle Fire tablets are checked out and returned at the circulation desk. Laptop computers are checked out and returned at the Reference Desk. Devices must be returned before closing.
Do not return mobile devices through the book drop. Devices must be returned in person to the appropriate service desk.
Where can I use a mobile device?
Patrons may take advantage of the public Library’s free Wi-Fi inside the building. Patrons may also use the Kindle Fire devices anywhere there is Wi-Fi, such as a local coffee shop or at home. Please be careful and vigilant when you take the mobile devices out to prevent theft or damage. You are solely responsible for damage to the device or internet charges incurred outside of the Library.
Laptop computers are for Library use only and may not be removed from the Library premises.
What do I get when I borrow a mobile device?
Wireless mobile device, carrying case, and power charger/cord. All equipment and components provided with the mobile device must be returned with the device.
What are the charges for late, damaged, lost, or stolen mobile devices?
Please do not leave mobile devices unattended. The patron is solely responsible for the mobile device while it is checked out and is responsible for applicable charges for late return, damage, loss, or theft. The patron who checks out the mobile device is responsible for the device and all accompanying equipment during the checkout period and may not lend or transfer the device to another person.
Hotspots and Kindle Fire tablets may be checked out for 14 days. If a hotspot is not returned by its due date, a note will be added to the patron’s account and hotspot checkout privileges will be suspended for 30 days following the return of the unit. If a Kindle Fire is not returned within 30 days past the due date, the patron will be charged a replacement cost of $75.00.
Laptops may be borrowed for Library use only for a period of up to four hours. Laptops may not be removed from the Library premises. At the end of the four-hour period, the laptop must be returned to Library staff. A laptop may be renewed one time for an additional four-hour period, provided the patron brings the laptop to the Reference Desk to complete the renewal. The renewal is subject to availability and is not guaranteed. Additional renewals are not permitted. If another laptop is available after the renewal period, the patron may check out a laptop again, subject to availability and applicable checkout procedures. Failure to return a laptop may result in the patron being billed the current replacement cost of the laptop, which is currently $349.99.
The patron will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement if a mobile device or any of its components is damaged, lost, or stolen. Replacement charges may be up to the current replacement cost of the device, as applicable. Minor cosmetic damage may result in a charge of $10.00 per occurrence. Lost or damaged peripherals may result in a charge of up to $10.00 per item, or the actual replacement cost when applicable.
All components provided with the mobile device must be returned at the same time as the device.
Patrons are responsible for saving their work and personal data to an appropriate external location. Library laptops may erase user data when the laptop is restarted or rebooted. The Library is not responsible for loss of patron data. Patrons should monitor battery life and save their work frequently.
The patron is also responsible for complying with the Mobile Device Borrower Agreement, Computer User Agreement, Internet Access & Acceptable Use Policy, and all other applicable Library policies.
What happens when I borrow a mobile device?
Mobile devices are checked out from the appropriate service desk at your local Eastern Monroe Public Library and must be returned to the same location. WiFi hotspots and Kindle Fire tablets are checked out and returned at the circulation desk. Laptop computers are checked out and returned at the Reference Desk. You must present your valid Library card and picture ID with date of birth each time you check out a mobile device. NO EXCEPTIONS.
For laptops, the required collateral must be provided to Library staff at the time of checkout. The collateral will be returned after the laptop and all accompanying equipment have been returned and inspected.
By the end of the loan period, you must bring the mobile device back to the appropriate service desk in person. Do not leave the mobile device on the service desk or in the book drop. Wait until a staff member is present and available to assist you. Patrons should wait while Library staff verifies the device has been returned in the same condition as it was loaned. You will then receive a receipt when the mobile device is fully inspected and returned.
A patron must wait twenty-four hours before borrowing the same mobile device they just returned. However, the patron may check out a different mobile device if one is available at the Library or its branches.
What should I do if I notice damage?
The patron should inspect the device before leaving the Library. All damage should be immediately reported. This will help prevent the patron from being charged for damage that was present before checkout.
Disclaimer
The Library reserves the right to modify the Mobile Device Policy and Mobile Device Borrower Agreement at any time. Blocking software is not available on mobile devices and the Library cannot be held responsible for any content viewed. Laptop use is subject to the Library’s Internet Access & Acceptable Use Policy and applicable Library technology practices. Library laptops are subject to applicable filtering and security measures consistent with federal law and Library technology practices.
By checking out a mobile device, the patron agrees they will not engage in illegal activities, they are solely responsible for the mobile device, and they are eighteen years or older. The Library is not responsible for loss or damage to patron data for any reason while the patron uses a Library mobile device.