Check out a Hotspot at the Betsie Valley District Library!
The Hotspots are available to patrons that live within the BVDL's service area.
Also, the Hotspots are available to patrons over the age of 18 and that have had a BVDL account that has been active for 30 days and is in good standing. The Hotspots may be checked out for a seven day period.
When checking out the Hotspot, all patrons must read and sign the Betsie Valley District Library Hotspot Checkout Responsibility Policy and Agreement. Hotspots may be reserved. All Hotspots must be checked out at the front counter of the Library. Hotspots must be returned when the seven day check-out period is over and they may be checked out again if the unit has not been reserved by another patron. We ask that Hotspots NOT be returned in the Library's drop box but at the front counter.
The Hotspot Kit consists of 1 Franklin A10 Mobile Hotspot Router device(4G LTE, 4G), 1 wall/USB charger, plastic case, and an Identification card with Hotspot unit name and password.
The Hotspots are not filtered so parents are strongly encouraged to supervise their children when using the device.
Betsie Valley District Library Hotspot Checkout Responsibility Policy and Agreement
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 Wi-Fi hotspot that enables you to connect your mobile devices (e.g., laptop, smartphones, tablets, etc.) to the Internet. The Wi-Fi hotspots 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.
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 policy and agreement in order to be eligible.
· Patrons wanting to checkout a Hotspot must have a Library account in good standing for a least 30 days and live within the Betsie Valley District Library service area (within Benzie County or Manistee County). The Franklin A10 Wi-Fi hotspots are not filtered. It must be understood that if a parent and/or guardian checks out a hotspot and allows his/her children to use the hotspot, that the parent and/or guardian is responsible for his/her child’s usage of the device.
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 hotspots 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.
Hotspots Are Not Filtered:
· 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 is strongly encouraged to 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).