Hotspot Lending Policy

Policy Statement

This Hotspot Program supports the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ goal to Advance Equitable Access to Resources by promoting “excellent connectivity and technology infrastructure, training, and support frameworks to equitably meet the needs of library users in Massachusetts” and the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ American Rescue Plan Act Objective 1.1 to advance digital inclusion.

 

Rules

Who Can Borrow a Hotspot?

Any resident from a municipality certified in the State Aid to Public Libraries program by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is eligible to borrow a hotspot.  Patron registration in the library system is required. 

Borrowers must be 17 years old or older and in good standing with the library.

Only one hotspot is allowed per household. If you have a hotspot checked out from another library you must return it before borrowing a CPL hotspot.   Each hotspot will support up to 10 connected devices.

For How Long?

Hotspots may be borrowed for 1 week; with 1 renewal.

Items must be returned inside the Charlton Public Library at the main level circulation desk (not in the outside drop box) and may not be put on hold or checked out again for at least 48 hours.

Loss Or Damage.

Borrowing privileges will be revoked and the hotspot will be disabled if not returned within 3 days of the due date. If a hotpot is returned more than 1 day late it will result in loss of hotspot borrowing privileges. 

Lost or damaged hotspots or accessories have the following replacement fees: hotspot -- $50; charger -- $15; case -- $10

Acceptable Use

Borrowers will adhere to the library’s internet acceptable use policy when using the mobile hotspot.

https://www.charltonlibrary.org/Pages/Index/183673/internet-policy

While checked out, the hotspot remains the responsibility of the borrower. Borrowers should not lose control of the device by lending to friends or associates. 

Any attempt to alter the configuration of the hotspot is strictly prohibited and may result in loss of borrowing privileges.

Procedures/Hotspot Availability

Hotspots may be reserved online with a valid library card in good standing. 

Hotpots must be picked up within seven (7) days of being placed on hold, or the hold will be canceled.

Hotspots should be returned to the adult circulation desk at the Charlton Library.  Do NOT place the hotspot in the book drop.

Hotspots should be returned with the power cord, SIM card, battery, and case to the Library in the same good working condition as it was when it was checked out.

If the hotspot is damaged or not working, return it to the library desk. Report the nature of the damage to a staff person.

Disclaimers

The Library is not responsible for any files, data, or personal information accessed/transmitted using the hotspot.

The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect, or consequential damages related to the use of the mobile hotspots, including loss of data, or privacy invasions.  Those who use the hotspots do so at their own risk and assume full liability for their actions.

Hotspot users are accessing the internet through the T-Mobile network, not the Library’s network.

Illegal acts involving Library equipment or services may also be subject to prosecution.

 

 

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