Wi-Fi Hotspots

POLICY STATEMENT

This Hotspot Program supports the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner’s 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?

    • Hotspot borrowers must be 17 years old and in good standing with the library.  (You do not need to be a Ware resident.)
    • 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.
    • Renewals are NOT permitted.  Hotspots must be returned to the library and may not be checked out again for at least a 24-hour period.
    • If a patron returns a hotspot (regardless of the account said hotspot is under), they may not check out another hotspot that same day and must wait at least 24-hours.

Fines & Fees

    • There will be an overdue charge of $1.00 per day the hotspot is overdue.  Maximum fee is $10. Fines must be paid in full before another hotspot can be checked out.
    • Hotspots will be DEACTIVATED if not returned within 1 day of the due date OR the next day the library is open; whichever comes first.
    • If a hotspot is not returned by the next day the library is open after the due date, borrower will be unable to borrow another for 2 weeks. Repeat offenders will face longer borrowing restrictions.

Loss or Damage

    • Patrons will not be held monetarily responsible for loss or damage, though borrowing privileges may be affected.
    • If hotspot is lost or damaged 2 times, patron will no longer be able to borrow a hotspot.
    • A revocation of hotspot borrowing privileges may be appealed directly to the Library Director.

Hotspot Availability

    • Hotspots are available on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis and may not be reserved ahead of time.

PROCEDURES

  • 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 reason.
  • Hotspots should be returned to the Ware Library service desk.  These cannot be returned to another library.
  • 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 1 day after due date, service will be turned off and the hotspot will become unusable.  The due date can be found on the receipt given the user at checkout.
  • If the hotspot is damaged or not working, please notify library staff when returning it.
  • Problems? Direct borrower technical support is provided by T-Mobile to library hotspot borrowers at: 844-341-4834.

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.