Electronic Device Lending Policy

Hotspots

Mount Carmel Public Library hotspots allow card holders to access high speed internet within the carrier service area. This means that a library hotspot will allow patrons to connect their devices (up to 10 at a time including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.) to the internet.

Geographic Limitations: Hotspot devices may only be used in the continental United States and subject to cellular reception.

Library hotspots are checked out for fourteen (14) days, with no renewals. Hotspots may be borrowed by one household at a time every four weeks. The devices are loaned on a first come, first-served basis from the time of opening until one hour before the library closes.

Hotspots must be returned in person to a library staff member and may not be returned to the book drop. Upon return, a library staff member will inspect the device to make sure it is functioning.

In order to borrow a mobile hotspot from the Mount Carmel Public Library, a library patron must:

A Hawkins County resident age 18 or older
Have a valid Mount Carmel Public Library card in good standing, for a minimum of 90 days with no overdue material or outstanding fines/fees.
Present a valid and current ID which matches the name and address on the library card.
Agree to the Mount Carmel Public Library's Internet Use Policy, which prohibits accessing any online content determined to be illegal or obscene according to federal, state, or municipal law.

Due to the limited number of hotspots, if the library hotspot is not returned within 24-hours after the due date, the internet service will be disconnected, and the borrowing patron's account will be assessed a two-dollar ($2.00) per day fee for each day the device remains out. The maximum fee is $50.00.

Loss of Privilege: Users who have been disconnected 3 times for not returning the device by its due date, will lose the privilege of using the device for 6 months. If a patron continues to return items past its due date, the director may institute a longer loss of privilege.

Patrons will be charged a replacement fee or service fee

For the return of a broken hotspot device or for the return of a Hotspot device missing any parts, such as the SIM card, battery, battery case, or charging cord.
For the loss of a hotspot device
For returning a hotspot device or component in a condition that is not suitable for circulation

Need fees

What to do if device does not work

If you need any assistance in troubleshooting your device, please contact the Mount Carmel Public Library at 423-357-4011. Instructions are provided in writing at the time equipment is received. Library staff will provide face-to-face support at the time of loan.

Please return any non-working devices within 24-hours (or the next day the library is open).

Any exception to this Policy shall only be made with the permission of the library director or their designees.

Chromebooks

A Chromebook is a laptop primarily used to perform a variety of tasks using the Google Chrome browser, with most applications and data residing in the cloud rather than on the machine itself.

Chromebooks are checked out for fourteen (14) days, with no renewals. Chromebooks may be borrowed by one household at a time every four weeks. The devices are loaned on a first come, first-served basis from the time of opening until one hour before the library closes.

Chromebooks must be returned in person to a library staff member and may not be returned to the book drop. Upon return, a library staff member will inspect the device to make sure it is functioning and all parts returned.

In order to borrow a Chromebook from the Mount Carmel Public Library, a library patron must:

A Hawkins County resident age 18 or older
Have a valid Mount Carmel Public Library card in good standing, for a minimum of 90 days with no overdue material or outstanding fines/fees.
Present a valid and current ID which matches the name and address on the library card.
Agree to the Mount Carmel Public Library's Internet Use Policy, which prohibits accessing any online content determined to be illegal or obscene according to federal, state, or municipal law.

Due to the limited number of Chromebooks, if the Chromebook is not returned within 24-hours after the due date, the borrowing patron's account will be assessed a two-dollar ($2.00) per day fee for each day the device remains out. The maximum fee is $50.00.

Loss of Privilege: Users who have, on three separate occasions, returned a Chromebook late will lose the privilege of using the device for 6 months. If a patron continues to return items past its due date, the director may institute a longer loss of privilege.

Patrons will be charged a replacement fee or service fee

For the return of a broken Chromebook or for the return of a Chromebook missing any parts, such as the case or charging cord
For the loss of a Chromebook
For returning a Chromebook or component in a condition that is not suitable for circulation

Need fees

Patrons shall not alter the Chromebook in any way, including (but not limited to) altering the settings of the device, adding programs to the device, or placing stickers or markings on the device, etc. The Library is not responsible for any liability, damages or expenses resulting from the use or misuse of a borrowed device, connection of the device to other electronic devices, or data loss resulting from use of the device.

Files cannot be permanently saved to Chromebooks – all files are erased when the user logs off. Borrowers are responsible for saving files in an alternate way (i.e. cloud storage or USB drive).

What to do if device does not work

Please return any non-working devices within 24-hours (or the next day the library is open).

Any exception to this Policy shall only be made with the permission of the library director or their designees.

Adopted by the Mount Carmel Library Board of Trustees October 12, 2020; revised March 13, 2023