Technology - WiFi Hotspot Policy & User Agreement

In order to promote access to online resources, the Belgrade Community Library offers mobile Wi-Fi hotspots as a part of its circulating collection.  All borrowers must sign a Wi-Fi Hotspot User Agreement or have one on file before being allowed to check out a hotspot.  Wi-Fi Hotspot User Agreements expire on December 31 each year. 

Each hotspot circulates in a plastic container, along with a power cord, instruction manual, the Library’s Public Access Network Policy, and a copy of this policy.  The user is responsible for returning all of these materials in good condition.  The user will be responsible for the cost of replacement of the item if it is returned damaged.  

The Library is not responsible for information accessed using this device or for personal information that is shared over the internet.  Hotspot users are expected to comply with the Library’s Public Access Network Policy. 

Eligibility

The patron receiving a hotspot must be a Belgrade Community Library (or Gallatin County) cardholder, 18 years of age or older, with a card in good standing.  The card cannot be barred, blocked, or expired (see Circulation Policy for details on card status).   

Patrons who return hotspots late three times within the term of their hotspot agreement will have hotspot privileges revoked for six months. 

Availability

Patrons may place holds on hotspots, but the Library cannot guarantee their availability for a specific date or time. 

Loan Period

Hotspots may be checked out for 14 days (no renewals allowed).  Service will be suspended on the 15th day (or the next business day).  If patrons cannot return the item on time and contact the Library to ask for a brief extension, the Hotspot Coordinator may be able to temporarily extend the due date and service.  Only one hotspot may be borrowed by a household at a time. 

Checkouts, Returns, Fines

The hotspots can only be checked out and returned at the Belgrade Community Library.  They cannot be picked up or returned at any other library within the BridgerNet Sharing Group (i.e Bozeman, Three Forks, West Yellowstone, or Manhattan).  Hotspots must be handed to a staff member inside the Belgrade Community Library by the due date, with all included cables and in the original packaging, or a late fee of $1.00 per day will be charged to the patron’s account. The hotspot may NOT be returned in the book drop. If the hotspot has been reported lost, the service will be terminated, and the hotspot will become unusable. The charge for a lost hotspot is $155.  The cost for an unreturned or damaged power cord is $10.00. 

Damaged Hotspots Due to Extreme Weather or Temperature Conditions

Do not leave hotspots exposed to varying temperatures, as they are susceptible to damage.  The full replacement costs may be charged to your account if damage occurs. 

Filtering & Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Compliance

T-Mobile hotspots are filtered in order to comply with CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act).  According to T-Mobile, the categories they block are as follow: Anonymizer, Compromised, Criminal Skills/Hacking, Hate Speech, Illegal Drugs, Mature, Nudity, Phishing/Fraud, Porn/Sex, Spam, Spyware/Malicious Sites.  Additionally, Safe Search is forced with Google, YouTube, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. 

WIFI Mobile Hotspot User Agreement

  2. Use of a Library hotspot is subject to the term and conditions set forth in this user agreement, and by checking out the hotspot, you agree to the following:
    1. I understand that the hotspot can only be checked out by a Belgrade Community Library (or BridgerNet) cardholder who is at least 18 years of age, and has a library card that is not expired and has not accrued fines over $10.00.
    2. I understand that the hotspot can be checked out for 14 days. It must be returned to a staff member inside the Belgrade Community Library by the due date, with all included cables and in the original packaging, or a late fee of $1.00 per day will be charged to my account. The hotspot may NOT be returned to the bookdrop. If the hotspot has not been returned on its due date, the service will be terminated and the hotspot will become unusable.
    3. I understand that Belgrade Community Library has no control over and cannot guarantee the availability of hotspot service or speed of the connection.
    4. If I do not return the hotspot to Belgrade Community Library in good working condition, free from damage, with all included parts and in the original packaging, I will be charged a $100 replacement fee.
    5. I understand that the hotspot has filtering software in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and that I am responsible for monitoring what my children and other minors access or view while using the hotspot.
    6. I understand that I must comply with Belgrade Community Library’s WiFi Hotspot Policy, as well as the Public Access Network Policy. It is my responsibility to read and abide by these policies and to comply with all Federal and State Laws.
    7. I understand that open, unsecured wireless network “Hotspots” are freely and easily accessible and unsecure. I understand that the Service Provider, Belgrade Community Library, and their officials and employees are not responsible for, and I will not hold them responsible for, any files, data, confidential or personal information accessed, transmitted, lost, or damaged as a result of using the hotspot.

    By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read the above terms and conditions and agree to abide by them.

  4. Electronic Signature Agreement
    By checking the "I agree" box below, you agree and acknowledge that 1) your application will not be signed in the sense of a traditional paper document, 2) by signing in this alternate manner, you authorize your electronic signature to be valid and binding upon you to the same force and effect as a handwritten signature, and 3) you may still be required to provide a traditional signature at a later date.

  11. Approved by Board of Trustees : 06/23/20
    Reviewed by Library Staff: June 2020

    12. Leave This Blank:

  14. This field is not part of the form submission.

Approved by Board of Trustees: 06/23/02
Reviewed by Library Staff: June 2020