Circulating Technology Policy

 

1. CJPL recognizes the importance of internet and digital communication; the digital divide in rural areas, where internet and internet enabled devices are limited, puts residents further behind with educational and employment related skills. Without opportunities to engage in an online world, digital media, online presence, and other necessary skills are minimized, due to lack of access. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this digital divide continues to grow within rural communities throughout the US, as well as in the Louisa County area. CJPL has made a commitment to providing equitable access to technology resources, including internet access at the library building, internet enabled devices for in-library use, and now, internet enabled devices for check out/use outside the library. 

2. CJPL retains ownership of all circulating technology, including Chromebooks, cases, cords, and any installed software on the Chromebooks and hot spots, DVD players, etc. CJPL will provide technical support for using the circulating technology and will be the sole responsible agent for updates/upgrade/maintenance on circulating technology. Basic instructions, a copy of this policy, and appropriate phone numbers will be included with each device upon checkout.

3. Removal of stickers, serial numbers, or other identifying markings on circulating technology or associated items is prohibited and will be considered theft.

4. Please treat the technology as you would a library computer. This includes:

a. Refrain from eating or drinking while using devices.

b. Save files on Google Drive/other cloud storage rather than directly on the device. Any files saved on the technology directly will be deleted upon return to the library and will not be saved in any other format.

c. Carry devices in their assigned case and insert/remove storage devices (such as flashdrives) and power cords carefully.

d. Keep the devices in a safe, secure, and temperature controlled location when not in use. Excessive heat or cold can damage Chromebooks and other electronic devices easily.

e. Refrain from installing any further software on the devices.

f. Report any problems with the circulating technology immediately with library staff. Do not attempt repairs or cleaning on your own.

g. Follow the CJPL internet policy.

h. Return in library. Please do not use book drops for return of equipment, as they are not temperature controlled and could result in damage.

5. Patrons in good standing (no lost materials) may check out one of each type of circulating technology items per account for a period of 3 weeks. Patrons under the age of 18 will need to have a parent/guardian present upon checking out. Prior to completing the check out, CJPL staff will review pertinent contact information, including address, phone number and driver’s license number to ensure contact can be made regarding the circulating technology. One hot spot will be reserved and utilized on a weekly circulation basis, with the same rules applying, in order to allow faster turnaround and emergency use. Library staff will place phone calls to remind patrons of due date the day prior, and service to items (if available) will be shut off remotely the day following the due date regardless of the circulation period.

a. If the circulating technology has not been returned for a week following the due date, and no contact can be made with the patron, library staff will report the technology as stolen to local law enforcement and local law enforcement will handle the matter. The driver’s license number and all appropriate contact info will be provided to law enforcement at that time. 

b. Following 3 weeks of circulation, all items must be returned and no further renewals will be allowed. Patrons may then again check out after 1 week. This allows staff to ensure good working order of all items and rotation of circulating technology going in and out of the library.

c. CJPL reserves the right to recall any circulating technology at any time to allow for fair use across all patrons, based on number of uses and number of weeks of circulation.

6. Patrons will be responsible for replacement costs in the event of loss or destruction of circulating technology, up to the complete and total replacement cost. CJPL director will discuss the unique circumstances of the family and problem with the circulating technology to assess an appropriate replacement cost/repair. However, CJPL does not wish for cost to be prohibitive for patrons to utilize circulating technology and will work with patrons in the event damage has occurred.

7. Should any circulating technology be lost due to theft or damaged due to fire, patrons agree to filing appropriate police reports/paperwork to document the theft or damage and thus avoid incurring fees. Without a police report or other document of loss, patrons will remain responsible for replacement costs.

8. By checking out circulating technology, patrons agree to abide by this policy as well as the CJPL internet use policy.

Adopted August 2020

Amended August 2022

Amended December 2025