Chromebook Lending Policy

Acton Libraries

Acton Memorial Library and West Acton Citizens’ Library offer in-house circulation of Chromebooks to library patrons holding a card from any library in the Minuteman Library Network (MLN). The Chromebooks are available for Internet browsing and using office products available through Google Drive. This policy outlines the guidelines for borrowing these laptops. Patrons using these Chromebooks must abide by the Acton Libraries Computer & Internet Use Policy. It is the responsibility of the patron to read and accept the guidelines in the Chromebook Loan Agreement form.

Eligibility:

• Any MLN library card holder can use a Chromebook. For children under the age of 13, the Chromebook must be checked out by their caregiver, and the caregiver is responsible for supervising the child and for the safety of the Chromebook.

• Must have a library card from a library within the Minuteman Library Network (which includes the Acton Library).
• Must have a library card in good standing (owe less than the cost of one lost or damaged item).
• Must have a school or government-issued photo ID and leave the ID as a deposit each time they borrow a Chromebook. The ID will be held at the Reference Desk until the Chromebook has been returned and inspected.

How To Borrow a Chromebook:

• Chromebooks may only be checked out on a valid MLN library card.
• Chromebooks may only be used in the library. Removal from the library will be considered theft and the full replacement cost will be charged to the borrower’s account. Please note: Chromebooks are equipped with tracking software for theft detection.
• Chromebooks are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.
• Chromebooks can be checked out for a period of 2 hours, with a possibility of renewal if there is no demand. Renewal will be for 2 hours for a maximum total of 4 hours per day.
• Chromebooks must be returned 30 minutes before the library closes. Chromebooks not returned by the end of day will be reported stolen. Police will be notified and the full replacement cost will be charged to the borrower’s account.

Patron Responsibility for Chromebooks:

• It is your responsibility to visually inspect the Chromebook when it is checked out. If you see that the Chromebook is damaged, bring it to the attention of the staff person checking it out. The staff person will note the damage so that you will not be charged for it. As the borrower, you bear full responsibility for damage to the Chromebook due to neglect, abuse, loss or physical damage.
• Limited technical support is available from the library’s staff. You are expected to be familiar with using computers and the software available on the Chromebook.
• Report loss or any damage to the Chromebook immediately. Please, keep all food and drink away from the Chromebook and do not attempt to troubleshoot problems on the Chromebook.
• Do not leave the Chromebook unattended. You will be responsible for the theft of a Chromebook that was left unattended. If you must use the bathroom, leave the Chromebook and included equipment with a Library staff member at the Reference Desk. Do not bring the Chromebook into the bathroom.
• Do not engage in any illegal activities such as hacking, pirating, downloading illegal materials, etc. or in any activities inconsistent with the Library’s Computer & Internet Use Policy.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for lost and/or damaged files or media when using the Chromebook.
• Any documents saved on the Chromebook will be lost immediately every time the laptop is restarted. If you want to save any data, save it to a USB flash drive (that you provide) or email it to a valid address.

Approved by the Boards of Trustees of Acton Memorial Library and Citizens’ Library this 22nd day of August, 2024.