What’s a hotspot? Mobile hotspots serve as mobile internet networks by converting an LTE (cell) connection into a Wi-Fi signal that other devices, like laptops or tablets, can use. Some cell phones have a hotspot built-in. If you don’t have a phone with this functionality or other internet access, you may now borrow a hotspot from the library.
This summer, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) received funds through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which enabled them to distribute over 3000 hotspots to approximately 220 Massachusetts public libraries for loan to library users. The hotspot lending program focuses on IMLS’ primary goal for these funds: digital inclusion for families and individuals with no other internet access.
Haston Library has received 5 hotspots. MBLC will cover the cost of the internet service / data plan through the end of September 2022. After that date, we will evaluate the program to determine whether or not the Haston Library can pick up the internet service / data plan costs.
Here are our hotspot policies:
1. North Brookfield library cardholders ages 17+, in good standing may check out a hotspot for 14 days, with one renewal
2. One hotspot per household per loan period. Up to 10 devices can be connected to a hotspot at one time
3. The hotspot MUST be returned to the North Brookfield Haston Library. Please do not return to the bookdrop.
4. Overdue or damaged hotspots will be deactivated and full replacement cost will be charged to the cardholder’s account.
5. The hotspot cannot be “claimed returned.”
Full Hotspot Lending Policy can be found below.
In order to promote and facilitate access of this service to all North Brookfield library patrons, users must wait 24 hours before borrowing an additional hotspot.
Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act grant, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
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***Haston Library Hotspots 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.
Hotspot borrowers must be 17 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 with 1 renewal.
Hotspots must be returned to the library and may not be checked out again for at least a 24-hour period.
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 [link to catalog record], or by calling the library circulation desk at: (508) 867-0208 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.
For more information on T-Mobile content filtering for education, go to: https://mblc.state.ma.us/programs-and-support/arpa-cares/hotspots/files/t-mobile-webtitan.pdf
The hotspot should be picked up within [7] days, or it will be set aside for the next user.
Hotspots should be returned to the library circulation desk. Please 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. Or call the library at: (508) 867-0208 for assistance.
Guidelines
Hot spot borrowing privileges may be revoked if hot spots are damaged through vandalism or gross negligence. Revocation of hotspot borrowing privileges may appealed by written 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.
I agree to abide by the policies for use of T-Mobile Hotspots listed above.
Name:_________________________Library card #:_________________
Date:_________________________
MBLB Library Hotspot Lending Policy Template – v. 1 – 20210721
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