Last October, we began circulating 5 mobile hotspots that were provided to us for free by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. It took a little while for word to get out, but it wasn’t long until demand exceeded supply. They all remained checked out for the majority of the year-long contract, circulating a total of 109 times. The M.B.L.C. program ended on September 30, but we have purchased our own hotspots to continue providing this service to Douglas.
Now we have 7 hotspots to loan. These models are faster, lighter, and no longer have the frustrating content filters that the old devices had.
A mobile hotspot is a device connected to a cellular network that broadcasts its own wifi network, so you can use it to connect your computer, smart-TV, tablet, or what-have-you to the internet any place you have a cell signal (in this case, T-Mobile).
- Anyone over the age of 18 with a CWMARS library card free of fines can borrow one of our mobile hotspots.
- One hotspot is allowed per household. Each one supports up to 10 connected devices.
- Hotspots may be borrowed for 2 weeks with 1 renewal.
- Failing to return a hotspot, tampering with the device, or altering its configuration will result in a loss of borrowing privileges.
- All of the terms of our computer use policy apply when using a mobile hotspot. You can read them here, but basically be nice and don’t do anything illegal and you’ll be fine.
- Hotspots have to be picked up and returned at the circulation desk–dropping one in the book drop will result in a loss of borrowing privileges.
- The hotspot comes in a case with a power cord, an instruction card with the SSID and password, and the hotspot itself. All of these things must be returned.
- If the hotspot is damaged or not working, please return it to the circulation desk and report the nature of the damage to a librarian.
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.