Purpose

To extend the Library's services, introduce new educational technologies and tools to Library customers, and make technologies and tools available to all customers, the Library may loan laptop computers, telescopes, and other devices.

The Library Director may approve the addition of new circulating devices based on customer requests or anticipated community interest without revision of this policy. If usage justifies continued circulation of these trial devices, a policy revision will be submitted for approval to the Library Board within one year. The Library Director may approve the elimination of circulating devices, which have limited and declining usage or have become damaged or lost.

1. Check-out

Subject to this policy, laptops, telescopes, and other devices may be borrowed by any customer with a Monterey or Pacific Grove Public Library card that is currently valid for check-out of Library materials. A signed user agreement is required for the use of laptops and telescopes, and may be required for other devices based on the device’s cost and anticipated use. If an agreement is required, it must be signed by the user and, if the user is under 18, by the user’s parent or guardian. User agreements will be retained on file.

The Library Director will establish loan periods and other rules and procedures for circulation and use of Library devices.

Library laptops may be used only within the Library building or on the upstairs terrace. Laptops may not be left unattended after check-out. If a laptop or other device designated for Library use only is removed from the building, the borrower will lose future privileges to check out these devices and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Library telescopes may be checked out for use outside the Library, but must be secured with a seatbelt when transported in a vehicle. An adult parent or guardian must be present to checkout a telescope to individuals under 18.

2. Overdue and Replacement Charges

Overdue charges for laptops, telescopes, and other devices will be approved by the Board of Trustees and appended to this policy. There is no grace period. Charges for lost or damaged devices will be based on the replacement cost of the device. If a customer cannot pay when the device is returned, the fine will be placed on the customer's account and standard procedures restricting future borrowing of all Library materials will apply until the fine is paid.

3. Usage

Laptop computers and other Library devices may provide access to the Internet. Library Internet services are governed by Policy 170: Computer and Internet Access and Use. If wireless printing is made available to users of Library and/or personal devices in the Library, charges will be based on Policy 140: Charges for Printing.

Telescopes must not be used for looking at the sun; doing so can blind the user.

4. User responsibility

Users are responsible for Library devices and any accompanying equipment and accessories from the time they are checked out until the time they are checked in. Users will be charged for any loss of or damage to devices or accompanying equipment or accessories while they are checked out, up to the full replacement cost of the lost or damaged items.

The Library makes no representation or guarantee that Library devices, accompanying hardware, and/or software are in working order or suitable for any purpose.

Laptops: Use of the Library’s Internet service, wireless network, and electronic information resources is entirely at the risk of the user. Monterey Public Library and the City of Monterey shall not be liable for any damage that may occur to any computer, device, peripheral equipment, or storage media, loss of data, loss of confidential information, unauthorized access to or alteration of data transmissions, and/or any other direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages resulting from or arising out of use of the Library’s Internet service, wireless network, and/or electronic information resources, or inability to use these services, or any other matter relating to these services. Users agree to indemnify and hold Monterey Public Library and the City of Monterey harmless from any claim or demand that may be made by any user or third party due to or arising out of user conduct in connection with any use of the Library’s Internet service, wireless network, and electronic information resources, user provision of content, user violation of this Policy, or any other violation of the rights of another person or party. Personal application software may not be loaded onto Library devices. Users who install or alter software in violation of this policy may be subject to the loss or damage provisions of this policy. No user files will be retained on Library devices.

Telescopes: Use of the Library’s telescopes and any related equipment is entirely at the risk of the user. Monterey Public Library and the City of Monterey shall not be liable for any injury and/or any other direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages resulting from or arising out of the use of the Library’s telescopes and related equipment or inability to use these devices, or any other matter relating to these devices. Users agree to indemnify and hold Monterey Public Library and the City of Monterey harmless for any claim or demand, that may be made by any third party due to or arising out of their conduct in connection with any use of the Library’s telescopes, provision of content, violation of Library Policy, or any other violation of rights of another person or party.

5. Enforcement

Failure to comply with this policy may result in the denial of check-out privileges for any or all library devices for a time period specified by the Library Director based on violations of this policy or Library rules, or in arrest or prosecution. Customers whose check-out privileges are denied will receive notification in writing. The Director's decision may be appealed to the Board of Library Trustees.

Overdue charges under Library Policy #175 Loan of Laptop Computers, Telescopes and other Devices.

Laptop Computers:
Hourly fine	$5.00
Maximum fine	$50.00

Laptop computers are loaned for use within the Library building. The fine is charged for each hour or fraction of an hour that the laptop is overdue.

Telescopes:
Daily fine	$5.00
Maximum fine:	$50.00

Borrowers with telescopes two weeks overdue will be billed for the replacement cost.

Approved:	May 23, 2007
Revised:	September 26, 2012
Revised:	April 25, 2018
Revised:	March 24, 2022