Details

Category: WiFi To Go

Last Updated: January 26, 2021

A Wi-Fi Hotspot is a device you can use to connect a wireless-enabled device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, to the Internet. The Hotspot is portable and can connect wherever you are, provided there is adequate cellular data coverage. To enhance coverage in dead zones, the Hotspot can be connected to an external antenna included with the kit. Up to 5 devices may be connected simultaneously.

How It Works:

• Ask for a WiFi To Go Kit at the library’s Adult Circulation Desk
• Fill out the Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending Agreement  
• Check out WiFi To Go for up to 3 weeks with renewal privileges
• Turn on the Verizon MiFi hotspot wherever you need Internet
• Connect the external antenna to improve signal in “dead zones”
• Connect up to 5 wireless devices at once
• Enjoy high-speed Internet with your favorite browser or app
• Return to the library when you are done!

Policy
The Mathews Memorial Library lends Wi-Fi Hotspot Kits to Mathews Memorial Library cardholders, age 18 years old and above, free of charge. Cardholder must be in good standing (no excessive fines or overdue items) in order to be eligible to check out a Wi-Fi Hotspot Kit. Only 1 Wi-Fi Hotspot Kit per household may be checked out at a time.

Wi-Fi Hotspot Kits may be checked out for up to 3 weeks and may be renewed up to 2 times as long as there are no pending holds. Wi-Fi Hotspot kits are available at the Adult Circulation Desk on a first-come first-served basis or by placing a hold. Holds may be placed online through the library's catalog, in person at the library or by calling the library at 804-725-5747.

The library reserves the right to revoke checkout privileges for library Wi-Fi Hotspots if the guidelines of this lending agreement are not followed.

Procedure
Library patrons in good standing may request to check out a Wi-Fi Hotspot Kit at the Adult Circulation Desk by presenting a valid Mathews Memorial Library card. Once a Wi-Fi Hotspot Kit is checked out, any damage, loss or theft becomes the responsibility of the patron. While checked out, use of the Wi-Fi Hotspot by any individuals other than the patron becomes the responsibility of the patron. Any attempt to alter the configuration of the Wi-Fi Hotspot is strictly prohibited and may be considered an act of vandalism and subject to full replacement cost value. If any technical problems are encountered, the Wi-Fi Hotspot Kit should be returned to the library as soon as possible.

Wi-Fi Hotspot Kits must be returned at the library's Adult Circulation Desk by the due date and must not be returned in the external book drops. The Wi-Fi Hotspot Kit will be examined upon return for damage or missing parts. Overdue Wi-Fi Hotspots will be disabled 3 days after the due date if not renewed or returned. One dollar per day up to the full replacement cost of $150 will be accessed for overdue Wi-Fi Hotspot Kits returned past the due date. The patron will be responsible for up to the full replacement cost of $150 for any lost or damaged components included in the Wi-Fi Hotspot Kit at check in.

Internet Use
Use of the Wi-Fi Hotspot is subject to the Terms of the Mathews Memorial Library Computer and Internet Use Policy. The Internet available through library Wi-Fi Hotspots is filtered in accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Any attempt to alter or bypass the content filtering provided is expressly prohibited. It is the borrower's responsibility to use the device in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purpose for which it is provided, and not for any unauthorized, unethical, or illegal purposes.

Technical Support
Please refer to the included WiFi To Go Quick Start Guide  for basic usage instructions. Call the library at (804)725-5747 or email the library staff for assistance or to schedule a time to come in for a demonstration. Do not attempt to repair a non-working Wi-Fi Hotspot on your own.

 

Service provided through grant funding obtained with assistance from the Mathews Broadband Advisory Board.