Check out a Hotspot at the Betsie Valley District Library!

Betsie Valley District Library Hotspot Checkout Responsibility Policy and Agreement (for a printable version please click here)

Purpose
The Betsie Valley District Library persistently works to update their services to best support their users and community. In working to provide technology access, the Library Board has moved to allow eligibility for Hotspots to circulate to our patrons. The purpose of this agreement is to provide clarity on the rules and guidelines applied to this resource.

Patrons may check out a Kajeet SmartSpot, a filtered Wi-Fi hotspot that enables you to connect your mobile devices (e.g. laptop, smartphones, tablets, etc.) to the Internet. The Kajeet SmartSpots allow the Library to provide cost-effective educational broadband service to under-served populations. Library patrons can check out a Wi-Fi hotspot to complete homework assignments, apply for jobs or conduct business even in areas not served by hardwired broadband connections.

The BVDL received funding from the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to supply Hotspots to our patrons through a grant applied for by the Mid-Michigan Library League. Any ECF supported equipment and services can only be provided to patrons who declare they do not have access to the equipment or services sufficient to access the internet.

This agreement must be filled out for each checkout, regardless of previous checkouts.
Our Kajeet Smartspots allow 5,000 MB of usage per month per unit. We are hoping that patrons will use about 1,250 MB per 7-day checkout. If you would like more information on data usage please check here:
For an example of your data usage, please refer to this chart that breaks down how much data is spent per hour with each internet activity:

• Two hours of HD-quality streaming: 5GB

• One hour of Instagram and Twitter scrolling: 500MB

• Three hours of streaming music: 216MB

• Two hours of gaming: 160MB
  

Other small internet activities (browsing, email, etc.): 
Internet Activity:                                               Data size (on average)
Email                                                                   20KB

Email (with attachment)                                      300KB

Downloading a song                                           4MB

Browsing the web                                               15MB per hour

Instagram                                                            100MB per Hour

Facebook                                                            156 MB per hour

Twitter                                                                  360 MB per hour

Streaming standard-definition (SD) video            700 MB

Streaming high-definition (HD) video                   2.5 GB per hour

Streaming ulta-HD  (4K) video                             5.8 GB per hour

Streaming Music                                                  72MB per hour

Online gaming                                                      80MB per hour

Eligibility
Hotspots are available for check out to patrons who meet all of the following requirements:
    · Patrons must be aged 18 or older, with a BVDL account that is in good standing (no fines/and or fees for lost and/or damaged items charges over $5) or other notes. Patrons must present their current Driver’s License or State ID at time of check out.
    · Patrons must also read and sign this agreement in order to be eligible.

    · Patrons wanting to check out a Hotspot must have a Library account in good standing for at least 30 days and live within the Betsie Valley District Library Service area (within Benzie County or Manistee County).    

Patron Responsibility
    · Patrons checking out a Hotspot are subject to the Betsie Valley District Library’s Hotspot Checkout Responsibility Policy and Agreement.
    · Hotspot borrower agrees to assume responsibility for proper use and care of Library equipment and for returning the Hotspot and its accessories, in the same condition as when checked out. Any equipment malfunction shall be reported immediately to Library staff.
         o Immediately is defined as within 24 hours of checkout.
         o Notification of equipment malfunction may be done in-person or by phone, email, or Facebook direct message.
    · When the checkout period is over, the borrower shall return the mobile device and all accessories to the Library circulation desk. DO NOT RETURN HOTSPOT TO THE LIBRARY’S DROP BOX. This may result in a loss of privilege in the future. If a Hotspot is returned in the Library’s drop box, a $10.00 fee will be charged to the patron.
    · Hotspots are for the patron’s use to access the Internet. It may not be loaned to another person. The patron account holder is the one responsible for the Hotspot
     · Theft or damage to a Hotspot may be reported to law enforcement authorities and result in criminal and/or civil penalties. Patrons may also be responsible for paying full replacement cost for the device.
    · If the Hotspot is stolen, the patron should notify Library staff and together, file a police report.
    · Theft or damage to a Hotspot or power cord or wall adapter or case may result in patrons being charged for the replacement cost of the items.
    · Wi-Fi hotspot and laptops should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment; do not leave them in a car. Do not remove the SIM card from the hotspot for any reason.  
    · The Library is not responsible for any liability, damages or expense resulting from use or misuse of these devices, connection of the devices to other electronic devices, or data loss resulting from use of these devices. 
    · Users are encouraged to follow safe Internet practices.
    · The Library is not responsible for information accessed using these devices or for personal information that is shared over the Internet.
    · Any use of a device for illegal purposes, unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material in any format, or transmission of threatening, harassing, defamatory or obscene materials is strictly prohibited. 
    · The Library reserves the right to refuse to lend a Hotspot to anyone who abuses equipment or is repeatedly late in returning electronic devices.
    · The Library is not responsible for any computer viruses that may be transferred to user storage devices.
   · Tampering with Library equipment, including bypassing security functions, is prohibited. 

Hotspot Filtering
    · The Hotspots are Kajeet Smartspot V400/055 models. They have filters installed on them. The filters are as follows:
       Kindergarten to 8^th Grade
       9^th to 12^th Grade
       Adult
    · At the time of checkout, the adult patron can ask which filter will be activated for their checkout. Patrons are responsible for their minor children’s usage of the Hotspot. In the event a person under the age of 18 utilizes the Hotspot, a parent or guardian shall be present and monitor the individual’s access to the internet via the Hotspot.

Hotspot Checkout Loan Periods/Fines
    · Hotspots borrowed from the Betsie Valley District Library will be checked out for a seven-day loan period, devices can’t be renewed online or over the phone. The Hotspot will need to be returned to the Library. If no other patron is needing the device, it may be checked out again. However, a new agreement must be signed by the patron.  The Hotspot’s service will automatically be shut off at the end of the seven-day period. A fine of $5.00/ day will be charged for each day the Hotspot is late, with a maximum of $20.00 charged. If the Hotspot is not returned within fourteen days of the due date, the Hotspot will be assumed lost, and the patron will be charged with the replacement of the item.
    · This fine will block the patron from borrowing other materials.
    · Once the Hotspot is returned all late fines will be forgiven.
    · Charges for equipment will be for the full replacement cost at the time of loss or damage of the Hotspot.
    · Hotspots can be reserved by telephone, email, or Facebook messaging.
    · Hotspots must be checked out at the Betsie Valley District Library circulation desk.
    · If you have placed a hold for a Hotspot, after notification that the item is available, you will have 2 days to check out the item before your hold will be cancelled.
    · Only one Hotspot can be checked out per shared account holders (or household).

User Privacy
The Betsie Valley District Library protects the privacy of Library records and the confidentiality of patron use of the Library as required by relevant laws. In addition, BVDL supports the principle of freedom of inquiry for Library patrons, and has adopted policies to protect against the unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of Library users. Records of patron use of Library resources, materials, or services are confidential per Act 455 of 1982 THE LIBRARY PRIVACY ACT (397.601 - 397.606).  In general, they may not be disclosed except by court order or to persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration of the Library or the Library system. By checking out an ECF funded Hotspot, circulation records that include the users name, date of checkout, date of return, model number and serial number of Hotspot may be provided, in the case of an Emergency Connectivity Fund audit, to the appropriate governing body. Any browsing data is protected and not collected by the Betsie Valley District Library.

"Betsie Valley District Library Hotspot Checkout Responsibility Agreement

I, the undersigned, have accepted the Betsie Valley District Library Checkout Responsibility Policy and assume responsibility for the Betsie Valley District Library Hotspot that was checked out to me. I understand that I will return the Hotspot on time or pay the replacement fee. Hotspots will be available for a seven day check out. After returning the Hotspot to the Library, I may ask to check out the Hotspot if no other patron is waiting for it. I agree to sign another BVDL Hotspot Responsibility Checkout Agreement to do this. I will notify the Library of any problems I encounter. I will pay for any damage that occurs while the equipment is in my charge. I know how to use the equipment. I agree to release required checkout information in the case of an ECF audit to audit personnel. The equipment and services funded by the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) can only be provided to patrons who declare they do not have access to the equipment or services sufficient to access the internet. By signing this statement, I declare I do not have access to such equipment or services."

Kajeet SmartSpots V400/055 Information
The Kajeet SmartSpots run on the Verizon 4G* cellular network. The mobile hotspot may not work in all areas.

The Kajeet SmartSpot V400 models are on the Verizon 4G network – View the coverage map here.

*While many smartphones run on 3G and 4G, if only 3G is available, the hotspot won’t connect, even though a smartphone will connect.

*Up to eight (8) devices can connect simultaneously to a SmartSpot — keep in mind that they will all be sharing the same data.

*Access to streaming video sites/content and services that consume large amounts of bandwidth (ex. software updates) are blocked. Many smartphones, tablets, etc., have applications that download data in the background (ex. podcasts, Spotify, Apple News, etc.) over a cellular connection and will cause you to burn through your data. You may want to check your settings and disable the majority of your apps from using data over a cellular connection:

On iOS devices – Settings > Cellular; toggle off cellular access for all apps but the ones you need

On Android devices – Settings > Data Usage > Cellular Data Usage – select those apps you don’t need and disable background data

• You may check your data use at any time at https://www.kajeet.com/sentinel/status.html. The Device Identifier number is required to check usage. That number is located on the Kajeet SmartSpot case.

• Devices are filtered. Websites and services that violate the Library’s Internet Use Policy and/or exceed normal bandwidth consumption are blocked.
  

• How to connect your Kajeet Smartspot V400 Verizon Device (video)