HotSpots

Hotspot Lending Policy

 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.

Catalog Link

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 may be required.

Hotspot borrowers must be 18 years old and in good standing with the library.

Only one hotspot is allowed per household.  Each hotspot will support up to 10 connected devices.

For How Long?

Hotspots may be borrowed for 2 weeks

Renewals are not permitted.  Hotspots must be returned to the library and may not be checked out again for at least a 24-hour period.

Fines & Fees

Hotspot borrowers will be fined $1 per day, up to $5.00

Loss 0r Damage.

Patrons will not be held monetarily responsible for loss or damage, though borrowing privileges may be affected.

Acceptable Use

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

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 –just like a book– through the library catalog or by calling the library service desk at: (617) 846-1703 during normal business hours.

Hotspots are filtered by default using T-Mobile’s content filtering for education. Borrowers may request that hotspot filtering be disabled when borrowing a device.  The library will not ask for a stated reason.

The hotspot should be picked up within 5 days, or it will be set aside for the next user.

Hotspots should be returned to a library service desk.  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 not returned within 3 days after the due date, service will be turned off and the hotspot will become unusable.

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

Problems? Direct borrower technical support is provided by T-Mobile to library hotspot borrowers at: (844) 341-4834.

Guidelines

A revocation of hotspot borrowing privileges may appealed by request to the Library Director.

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.

 

Trustee approved 09/09/2021