HP Laptops, Samsung Tablets, and a Macbook Air are now available to be checked out at the Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library circulation desk for use in the Library. In order to guarantee fair access for all of our users, the following policy will apply to all patrons wishing to check out a laptop, tablet or MacBook Air and should be read and thoroughly understood prior to checking one of them out for use in the Library.

  • The Library checks out only the laptop, tablet and Macbook Air; earphones, external keyboards, external mice, external hard drives, or any other devices will be provided. Every effort will be made for the devices to be fully charged. If not, then a power cord will be provided. Patrons may use any personal device that uses a USB connection, including keyboard, mouse, and USB flash drives. USB flash drives may be purchased from the Library for $10.
  • Laptops, tablets and the MacBook Air may only be checked out to adult patrons, 18 and over, who have been a member of the Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library for at least thirty (30) days, and in good standing, and present a government-issued I.D.
  • Teens age 14 through 17 may checkout a laptop, tablet or MacBook Air, for IN-LIBRARY use, only when a parent has signed the In-Library Permission Agreement and Internet Permission for Minor Teens.
  • PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPLACEMENT OR MAINTENANCE COST INCURRED BY THEIR TEEN.
  1. Patrons may only check out one Laptop computer, Tablet or MacBook Air and must be the sole user. Patrons cannot loan to another person or borrowing privileges will be revoked. Parents cannot check out a laptop for the use of a minor child under the age of 14 for use in the Library.
  2. The laptops, tablets and MacBook Air connect through a wireless connection and must be used in the Library area of the building, not in the meeting room, lobby, or restrooms.
  3. Audio and video files must be listened to with headphones, and the sound level cannot be loud enough to be heard outside the headphones. Headphones can be borrowed from the circulation desk.
  4. CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) requires filters to be installed on all computers purchased with Cares Act Grant funds as ours were. The filter may be turned off, if an adult 17 years of age and over requests it to be. The filter CANNOT be turned off for anyone 16 or younger even at the parent’s request when being used in the Library.
  5. The Library is not responsible for any objectionable material that may be found on the Internet while using a Library laptop. Although Library Internet access is filtered, no filter can block all possible questionable content.
  6. The laptops, tablets or MacBook Air may not be left unattended. You must return it to the Circulation Desk if leaving the building. If you are going to be gone for less than 15 minutes, you may leave the device at the circulation desk and then return for it to resume your session. Any longer than 15 minutes and the device will be checked in and will be available for others to check out.
  7. The first time a laptop, tablet or the MacBook Air is checked out; patrons must read a copy of the Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library In-Library Checkout Policy. A copy of the policy will be given to the patron if so desired. However, each time a patron checks out a laptop, tablet or the MacBook Air they will be required to complete an In-Library User Agreement Form.
  8. The HP Laptop computers, Samsung Galaxy Tablets and the MacBook Air (referred to as “devices” below) may be checked out on a first come, first serve basis for a maximum of two (2) hours unless prior arrangements have been approved by the Librarian, with the following exceptions:
    1. Devices must be returned thirty (30) minutes before the Library closes.
    2. Devices may not be checked out later than one (1) hour before the Library closes.
  9. The HP Laptop computers, Samsung Galaxy Tablets and the MacBook Air may not be renewed. If all computer devices are in use, staff will reserve the next available laptop for the waiting patron. HP Laptop computers, Samsung Galaxy Tablets and the MacBook Air cannot be reserved ahead of time or reserved online or by phone.
  10. If you decide you would like to check out and take home the device you are currently using as an in-library service, you must return the HP Laptop/Tablet to the Circulation Desk to be checked in and only if no one else has reserved the device, can you check it out. HP Laptop computers or Samsung Galaxy Tablets checked out to take home may NOT be used in the Library, unless arrangements have been made with the Librarian. Only in-library checkouts may be used in the Library.
  11. Patrons returning a HP Laptop computer, Samsung Galaxy Tablet or the MacBook Air late will be assessed a fine of $10 per hour ($2.50 per 15 minutes). Accrued computer fines may prevent check out of any library materials. Fines must be paid at the Library’s Circulation Desk.
  12. Patrons must report anything missing immediately. Patrons are financially responsible for lost or stolen laptops, tablets, or the MacBook Air and will be required to pay reimbursement costs as applicable:
    1. A lost or stolen HP laptop will result in a reimbursement cost of $450, including the carrying case, or $500 (if the charger and power supply cord are included) plus a $25 processing fee. All late fees leading up to the time the device is reported missing will also be assessed.
    2. A lost or stolen Samsung Galaxy Tablet will result in a reimbursement cost of $400, including the carrying case, or $415 (if the USB-c Adapter is included) and an additional $20 (if the wall adapter charger was included) plus a $25 processing fee. All late fees leading up to the time the device is reported missing will also be assessed.
    3. A lost or stolen MacBook Air will result in a reimbursement cost of $1,300, including carrying bag and hub adapter, plus a $50 processing fee. All late fees leading up to the time the device is reported missing will also be assessed.
    4. A computer reported by a patron as stolen will be reported to the Waterloo Police Department and any recovery made of the stolen property by the police will result in reimbursement to the patron for monies paid by them to the Library for the same stolen property, only if there is no damage to the computer.
  13. The Library Director reserves the right to limit or regulate the use of library equipment and may use discretion in granting exceptions.
Laptop/Tablet Checkout Agreement Form
Laptop/Tablet Inspection Form

This project is supported in part by the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and granted by the Nebraska Library Commission.

Approved by the Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library Board of Trustees on March 8, 2021.