TECHNOLOGY LENDING PROGRAM
OVERVIEW/POLICY/BORROWER AGREEMENT

As of 10/1/24, we will be circulating hotspots again.  We only have 20 to circulate now as our ECF funding has run out.  We are being more selective than we were before about who can borrow hotspots.  You may not get on a list for our current hotspots if your account has the following issues:

-A past “tech strike” – meaning we have had issues with lateness, etc. on tech items in the past

-A fine on your account

-An expired account

-An item (or items) that are over one month overdue

-Any overdue tech items

If you would like to discuss one of the above issues on your account, please contact our director Rebecca, or if she is unavailable, Andy or Ally.  Exceptions may possibly be made on a case-by-case basis.

We are trying to make sure that as many patrons as possible can use these 20 hotspots and we have had issues with patrons not returning these items on time in the past. 

These hotspots have been funded by a generous grant from the Missouri Library Association!

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

he Rolla Public Library has established the TechConnect Technology Lending Program to provide patrons in our community with high-speed internet access and technology through lendable hotspots and Chromebooks. With this program, library card-holders can use the internet and technology devices for help with distance learning, telehealth, virtual job-seeking and more. Patrons can have home access to the library’s digital resources such as our databases, eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks, as well as general access to the internet. Patrons will be able to take advantage of our TechConnect Technology Lending Program with a Rolla Public Library card that is in good standing (i.e. library card is not blocked due to unpaid fines or lost material) and a current state ID.

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. Any use of the device for illegal purposes, unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material in any format, or transmission of threatening, harassing, defamatory or obscene materials is strictly prohibited.

This project was initially supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. This project was initially supported by the Emergency Connectivity Fund under the provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 as administered by the Federal Communications Commission.

CIRCULATION POLICY

• TechConnect devices:
  • have a loan period of 14 days
    • devices will be deactivated once overdue
    • devices will be charged to the patron account after 30 days overdue
  • may be placed on hold
  • must be returned INSIDE the library; they may not be placed in the outdoor book return (Call us to pick it up if we are offering curbside only service)
  • must be returned with all components (cords, batteries, etc.)

• Patrons borrowing TechConnect devices:
  • may place a hold for a device
    • must pick up an arrived hold within 3 days of notification must be 18+ years old
  • must show a current state ID
  • must have a library card in good standing that is at least one month old.
  • must check out no more than one device per household*

*unless given approval by the director

• must sign the TechConnect Borrower Agreement for each loaned device
  • must pay the following replacement costs for lost materials:
    • hotspot – $85
      • hotspot cord – $20
      • hotspot case – $10
    • Chromebook – $230
      • Chromebook cord – $20
      • Chromebook case – $60
• will be suspended from using the TechConnect program due to damaged and/ or delinquent technology items.

This project is sponsored by the Missouri Library Association’s Access & Innovation Fund grant program, which aims to enhance, support, and develop library technologies and innovation that improve patrons’ access to library services. The Missouri Library Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization operating to promote library service, the profession of librarianship, and cooperation among all types of libraries and organizations concerned with library service in the State of Missouri.