Mobile Hotspot Policy
A Mobile Hotspot is a device that can be used anywhere to create a wireless network so patrons can connect any Wi-Fi-enabled mobile device, phone, laptop, tablet/IPad, printer, digital camera or gaming device.
GUIDELINES FOR BORROWING AND USE
The McComb Public Library lends Mobile Hotspots to card holders ages 18 and above who are in good standing (i.e. library card is not blocked due to unpaid charges or lost materials). Borrowers must have a valid McComb Library card or be a McComb Library patron with a valid government-issued photo identification card.
A valid McComb Library Card is defined as a card issued to a patron who lives within the McComb School District, works in the McComb School District or has a valid connection to the McComb School District. Validity will be at the librarian’s discretion.
New patrons registering for a McComb Library Card who meet the definitions listed above and who provide proper registration documentation may borrow a hotspot at registration.
Hotspots are not loaned within the consortium and are provided as an additional library service for the patrons within service area.
The loan period is 14 days with no renewals, limited to one per household, and may only be used in the contiguous United States. Borrowers returning hotspots have a 14 day waiting period before checking out another hotspot. Hotspots may not be reserved for a specific date, however if a hotspot is available it may be placed on reserve but must be picked up within 3 days.
Devices can only be checked out and returned to a library staff member at the circulation desk and a user loan agreement must be filled out. Mobile Hotspots should never be returned in the book drop or returned to a library other than the McComb Public Library. Borrowers, along with a library staff member, will verify that all accessories are present at the time of checkout and check-in.
If a technical problem is encountered, it is the borrower’s responsibility to contact the library for assistance.
REPLACEMENT COSTS AND LIABILITY
The library is not responsible for any liability, damages, or expense resulting from use or misuse of the device. The patron is responsible for damage, loss or theft.
After 14 days overdue, the borrower will be charged the full replacement cost of $82.
If the Mobile Hotspot kit is returned with missing pieces, the following charges will apply:
Hotspot - $50.00
Case - $12.00
Power Adapter/Cord- $20.00
ACCEPTABLE USE
The Mobile Hotspot runs on Sprint’s network, and a connection is not guaranteed. Additionally, the Mobile Hotspot is an open wireless connection and the library is not responsible for information accessed while using this device or for personal information shared over the internet. All patrons checking out the device must refrain from online activity that violates Federal, State of Ohio or local laws, including but not limited to:
- The transmission or receiving of child pornography or harmful material. Access to or display of obscene language and sexually explicit graphics as defined in section 2901.01 and 2907.31 of the Ohio Revised Code is not permitted.
- Fraud – Users are prohibited from misrepresenting themselves as another user; attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
- Downloading copyrighted material. U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use". Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
Wireless access is by nature an insecure medium. Any information being sent or received using a Mobile Hotspot could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user. Cautious and informed wireless users should not transmit their credit card information, passwords and any other sensitive personal information while using any wireless Hotspot.
Additionally, anyone using a Mobile Hotspot should be aware that there can be no expectation of privacy. Users assume all associated risks and agree to hold harmless the McComb Public Library and its employees for any personal information (e.g. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to users' hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. All Mobile Hotspot users should have up-to-date virus protection on their personal laptop computers or wireless devices.
DISCLAIMER
Use of the McComb Public Library’s Mobile Hotspot is entirely at the risk of the user, and the Library is not responsible for any loss of information that may arise from the use of the device, nor is the library responsible for any loss, injury, or damages.
All users of this service agree to hold the McComb Public Library harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities, directly or indirectly relating to this service
and /or the networked information available via this service.
Amended June 19, 2023