Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending Policy and Form
Adopted by the Akron Carnegie Public Library’s Board of Trustees
Date: 10/1/2019, rev. 11/3/20, 12/7/21, 11/5/24
Policy
A Wi-Fi hotspot is a portable device that you can use to connect a mobile-enabled device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, to the internet. The Akron Carnegie Public Library (ACPL) lends Wi-Fi hotspots to established ACPL cardholders ages 18 or above who are in good standing with our library for a minimum of 3 months (no fines or overdue items and no history of a delinquent account). Only resident and nonresident patrons are eligible for this service. (Computer use, student, PLAC, outreach, and reciprocal borrowers are ineligible.)
A hotspot checkout is limited to one person per household for a period of 7 days and it cannot be renewed or reserved. The maximum limit for circulating hotspots is 6 checkouts per household, per a 6 month period.
Hotspots are available at the circulation desk on a first-come, first-serve basis from the time of opening until 1 hour before the library closes.
The library reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who abuse equipment or materials or who are repeatedly late in returning materials.
The library is not responsible for any liability, damages or expense resulting from use or misuse of the device, connection of the device to other electronic devices, or data loss resulting from use of device.
The library does not guarantee that the wireless network will be available and the library is not responsible for outages and/or connectivity issues.
Procedure
I understand I must present my library card and valid photo identification to the circulation desk.
Once a hotspot is checked out to me, it becomes my responsibility. Any changes in condition or content while in my care will be my responsibility. I am responsible for damage, loss, or theft. I should have a basic working knowledge of the device on checkout. If any technical problems are encountered, I should return the device immediately to the circulation desk.
I understand devices must be returned to the Akron Carnegie Public Library’s circulation desk at least one (1) hour before the Library closes, and should never be returned in the book drop or to another library. Devices returned in the book drop or to another library will result in a $10 fine or greater, and up to the cost of the device if damaged.
The WIFI Hotspot device’s access to the internet will expire at the end of each loan period, which is 7-days.
The hotspot will be examined to ensure that it has not been tampered with. If damage to the device is discovered by library staff, appropriate costs will be added to my account. A returned hotspot must remain available in the library for 72 hours before myself or someone in my household may check it out again.
I understand and I agree that an overdue charge of $5 per day up to the full replacement cost of $200 will be charged for a hotspot that is not returned. I further understand and agree that I am responsible for the full replacement cost if the device or any parts are lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise not returned. If I fail to pay the replacement cost for a lost or damaged device and/or if devices are not returned in a timely manner, my borrowing privileges at the library will be canceled and civil and criminal action may be taken. Three (3) late returns and/or failure to pay late fees for any device checkout will result in being permanently banned from borrowing all devices.
Internet Use
The Akron Carnegie Public Library is not responsible for any information accessed or action taken by a patron while using a Wi-Fi Hotspot. Hotspot users are encouraged to use safe internet practices. Using the hotspot to access any online content determined to be illegal or obscene according to federal, state, or municipal law will result in revocation of hotspot borrowing privileges and potentially criminal prosecution.
