Get Connected: Chromebook Laptops

Need a computer ? Allegany County Library System now lends Chromebook laptops.  Get connected and reserve a laptop by placing a request on our catalog or by contacting the library. Chromebook laptops are available at all branches.

Great for:

• Job searching/job applications
• Scheduling a doctor’s appointment
• Connecting with loved ones
• Using digital library resources:  reading newspapers and magazines, writing your resume

Access on your schedule!

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Borrowing Agreement:

Device Descriptions

Chromebooks are small laptops with WiFi capabilities that run Google’s Chrome OS. Users can Create and edit documents, access the internet, video conference and use online library services from home (Kanopy, databases, eBooks, eMagazines, eAudiobooks, tutorials).

Borrowing

• Adults 18 years or older are eligible to borrow Chromebooks, with a ACLS library card in good standing.   
• The borrower must be present to borrow a device.
• Each borrower must:
  • Complete and sign the borrowing agreement each time they borrow a device, 
  • Complete the demographic survey,
  • Initial the checklist that all components of the device are present prior to check out and upon return. 
• Renewals will be based upon availability.  

Your data, documents, emails, and other files

The Chromebooks do NOT have a hard drive to save your data, documents, email or files.

Chromebooks work best if you have a “cloud storage” account like a GMail, GSuite, Office 365, or DropBox. That way after you log on to your account, all your work is saved.

Learn how to sign up for a Gmail account

Learn how to use Google Docs

Each time you close the lid on the Chromebook or click the “Exit” or “End Session” buttons, the Chromebook will log you out of your account and erase any open work. Please SAVE your work to your “cloud storage” service or thumb drive prior to ending your session.

The Chromebook will automatically restart every 24 hours and it will log you out of your account and erase any open work in progress. Please SAVE your work and end your session when you are finished.

Any data stored on borrowed devices will be erased when the session ends and when it is returned to the library.

Proper Care and Use

• Chromebooks should not be left in a hot or cold vehicle.
• Do not allow Chromebooks to become wet.
• Do not remove the SIM card or disassemble a device for any reason.

Loan Rules

• Chromebooks have a 14 day loan period.
• One Chromebook may be borrowed per library card and household at a time.
• Each device may be renewed 2 times if others are not waiting.
• Requests/Holds may be placed on Chromebooks
• Requests/Holds are limited to one of each device at a time.

Returns

• Patrons must return Chromebooks to the staff at the Check Out desk.
• Do not place Chromebooks in the return bin or book drop.
• Equipment returned with missing accessories will not be checked in until all parts have been returned.
• Chromebooks must be checked out from and returned to the same branch of the library system.
• All data will be cleared from the devices upon return.

Late Fees

Fines of $5 per day will be enforced for all eligible borrowers.

Chromebooks are considered “LOST” after three days of being overdue and patrons are assessed a replacement fee for the device.

Replacement Fees

Patrons are responsible for any equipment that is lost, damaged, or stolen. Damages resulting from accident, misuse, or neglect are the patron’s responsibility.

Chromebooks: $350 replacement fee + $35 service fee

The replacement fee is credited if:

• the device is returned in good condition;
• the device is returned within 5 days of being overdue;
• the device has not been replaced by the library.

Damaged or missing accessories will be charged at market rates.

Set Up and First Use

Library staff is happy to get you started by sharing the instructional material with each device.

Library staff may also be called upon to assist during normal library hours.

Please refer to the instructional materials in the case for assistance.

Disclaimer

The Library is not responsible for information accessed using these devices or for personal information that is shared over the Internet. Information sent to or from your computer or other device can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and special software.

ALL users are encouraged to follow safe Internet practices. Learn about internet safety here.

Illegal Activity on the Internet while borrowing a Library Chromebook

• It is illegal to download copyrighted movies or music unless you have paid for the item.
• Do not violate the law or encourage others to violate the law.
• Do not use the Internet to cause harm to others or damage to their property: engaging in defamation (harming another’s reputation by lies); impersonating another user; vandalism, including any attempt to harm or destroy data, software or hardware.
• Do not access the Internet to compromise the safety and security of minors when using email, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications.

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