Tech to Go: Laptop & Hotspot Lending Program

Laptops

The Jersey City Free Public Library is pleased to offer Laptop Kits for check-out at most of our branch locations. A Laptop Kit is a package of items loaned to patrons to get on the web. Patrons must agree to abide by the Laptop Kit guidelines requirements and rules below. There will be a Laptop Circulation form and checklist to read and fill out each time a Laptop Kit is checked out.

About the Kits

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs on the Google Chrome operating system. Chromebooks use Google’s Chrome web browser and Google’s wide variety of cloud-based apps such as Google Docs, Sheets, Meet and much more

What’s Included

Each kit includes the following items:

• Laptop Bag
• Chromebook with Built in LTE
• Charger
• Quick Start Guide

Checking out a Laptop Kit:

At the time of checkout, a staff member will inspect the kit to ensure that all of the items are included and working properly. The borrower must initial the terms of the checklist in front of a staff member and must sign the Jersey City Free Public Library Laptop Kit Agreement.

The cardholder understands that full responsibility for the technology kit and all of its parts is the sole responsibility of the cardholder.

Circulation Rules:

• Kits circulate for 14 days.
• A maximum of One (1) kit per card.
• Laptop Kits will only be checked out to the library cardholder or the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 18.
• Patrons may not check out a Laptop Kit and loan it to another user. Patrons discovered engaging in this activity will have their Laptop Kit checkout privileges suspended for one month.
• Laptop Kits must be returned to the circulation desk at the library branch from which it was checked out.
• If all kits are checked out, a hold can be placed and you will be contacted as to the kit’s availability. Please contact your closest branch for assistance.
• Patrons assume all responsibility for damaged or missing items including the cost to repair any damaged parts of the kit or lost contents. We cannot accept replacement parts.
• Laptop kits not returned within 7 days of the due date will automatically be disabled.

Returning a Technology Laptop Kit:

At the time of return, a staff member will inspect the laptop to ensure it is intact and working properly and that all items in the kit are present (laptop and charger). The borrower will then initial the return checklist (verifying kit contents) in front of the staff member. The check-in process can take 10-15 minutes.

Lost/Damaged Item Fees and Liability:

All equipment must be returned in the same condition as received; if returned damaged or lost, the patron agrees to pay for the replacement cost.

Guide:

Hotspots

We also have hotspots but they may not be available for checkout due to their popularity among our patrons. Please call your local branch library to ensure that they have a hotspot available for check out.

Hotspots are mobile devices that provide the user with high-speed Wi-Fi internet access. Users connect the library hotspot to any device to have access to a wide variety of resources available on the internet. Hotspots are filtered and therefore, some websites will be blocked. There will be a Mobile Hotspot User Agreement to read and fill out when the each time a hotspot is checked out.

What’s Included

Each hotspot includes the following items:

• One (1) LTE Hotspot, with SIM card inserted

• One (1) carrying case

• One (1) micro-USB cable

Eligibility Requirements:

To borrow, the patron must present a Jersey City Free Public Library card that:

• Has no fees or blocks for any reason.
• Is a full privilege library card (No reciprocal or subscription cards).
• Is designated as an Adult User (18 years or older).

Patrons under 18 may borrow a hotspot if a parent or legal guardian in good standing with the library (see above) checks out the kit.

Circulation Rules:

• Hotspots circulate for 7 days.
• A maximum of One (1) hotspot per card.
• Hotspots will only be checked out to the library cardholder or the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 18.
• Patrons may not check out a hotspot and loan it to another user. Patrons discovered engaging in this activity will have their checkout privileges suspended for one month.
• Hotspot must be returned to the circulation desk at the library branch from which it was checked out.
• If all hotspots are checked out, a hold can be placed and you will be contacted as to the hotspot’s availability. Please contact your closest branch for assistance.
• Patrons assume all responsibility for damaged or missing items including the cost to repair any damaged parts of the hotspot or lost contents. We cannot accept replacement parts.
• Hotspots not returned within 15 days of the due date will automatically be disabled.

Guide: