June 2020

Quick Facts

• Please note: this page is for in-library use laptops/Chromebooks ("devices") that are checked out with staff.
  • For information about the Chromebook/laptop kiosks, please see Chromebook/Laptop Kiosks.
  • For information about Chromebooks that patrons can take home, please see the Tech lending program.
• The checkout period is two hours. Laptops/Chromebooks will not be checked out less than 30 minutes before the library closes.
• Only one laptop/Chromebook can be checked out on an account at a time.
• Only the cardholder may check out laptops/Chromebooks with staff. The patron must be age 13 or older and have unfiltered internet access.
• Guest passes cannot be used to check out devices (or any other materials).
• Patrons can print using the mobile printing service.
• If a device is stolen, follow these procedures to report the theft.

Procedure

Check Out

1. Chromebooks can be checked out by patrons age 13 and older who do not have filtered access.
2. Use the Check Out wizard to check out the Chromebook to the patron’s account. Staff will Override for the Chromebook and peripherals to check out to patrons with Accommodation user profiles A_1_item, and A_5_item.
3. Print the Due Date receipt. Inform the patron what time it is due back and place it in the plastic pocket on the Chromebook.
4. Ask the patron if they need headphones or a mouse.
5. Follow the procedures of the branch where you’re working, as some locations may have additional steps (such as printing an extra copy of the receipt to keep in the Chromebook cabinet).

Renewals

Chromebooks can be renewed at the staff's discretion based on the needs of the location.

Check In

1. Borrowers must return the Chromebook to a staff person at the service desk. A Chromebook should not be left unattended at the service desk.
2. A staff member will verify that all parts are present and that the computer and all accessories are in good working order.
3. Check In the Chromebook by scanning the barcode.
4. Ask the patron if they want a receipt.

Automatic Log Off Information

Circulating Chromebooks will log a patron off automatically after two hours of continuous use if the patron is logged onto the device as a "Guest," but not if they are logged on under their personal Google account.

• To log onto the Chromebook with a personal Google account, select Add a Person at the bottom left corner of the screen after opening the lid. Follow the prompts to enter your personal Google login information.

Renewing the Chromebook has no effect on this timer and the timer resets any time the Chromebook is logged off (this includes closing the lid). This is part of the IT management of the Chromebooks and staff have no access to change or disable it in the moment.

Patrons who are using the Chromebook for sensitive tasks (i.e. taxes) or for longer than 2 hours will be best served by logging in under their personal Google account.

Lost or missing Chromebooks

If a Chromebook is not returned by the end of day, it will be assumed lost and billed to the patron when the overnight report runs. This will happen automatically.

1. If a Chromebook is not yet billed and must be manually marked as Lost:
2. Look up user with Display User wizard.
3. Click on the Checkouts tab.
4. Right-click the item to be set to Lost status.
5. Click on Mark Item Lost.
6. Click on Bill User.
7. Click Okay.
8. Send a report that the Chromebook was not returned. Include your name, location, when the Chromebook was checked out, when the Chromebook was billed, the patron's name and User Key, and the Chromebook barcode and serial number. If the Chromebook is missing, but not checked out to a patron, note that. Send this to:
   1. IT Help desk at ithelpdesk@multco.us
   2. Your supervisor
   3. Fill out an Incident Report Form

Policy

Multnomah County Library offers Chromebook checkout service at all libraries. Chromebooks are available for checkout at the service desk at branches and the Circulation 2 desk at Central.

Limits & Availability

Chromebooks can be used:

• By patrons with Accommodation user profiles A_1_item, and A_5_item, even if they already have the maximum number of items checked out. Chromebooks do not count toward the one or five item check out limit. The Chromebook and accessories count as one item, so staff will need to Override to allow both items to be checked out. Loan periods may vary depending on Profile Name
• One at a time (patrons may not check out multiple Chromebooks at once)
• By patrons checking out on their own card.

Chromebooks cannot be used:

• By patrons with account blocks that prevent them from checking out
• By patrons under age 13
• By patrons age 13-17 whose parent or guardian has requested filtered access. This is because Chromebooks are not filtered
• Chromebooks cannot be removed from the buildings. If a Chromebook is taken out of the library, the borrower's library account will be blocked from use
• When a patron wishes to check one out less than 30 minutes before closing
• By patrons who wish to check out a Chromebook on someone else’s card

Other notes:

• Borrowers may not install, alter, delete or copy any software loaded on the Chromebook or otherwise change the Chromebook's existing configuration.
• Patrons can print using Chromebooks through the mobile printing service.
• Accessory bags may only be loaned with a Chromebook checkout.

Loan period & renewals

• The checkout period for each Chromebook is two hours. A checked-out Chromebook must be returned to the service desk at least 15 minutes before the library closes.
• Patrons with accommodation user profiles A_1_item, A_5_item, or A_6_week, will have 4-hour Chromebook checkouts. These patrons may need more time to use all materials and resources, including computer time. This will happen automatically at checkout.

Replacement costs & liability

• The replacement cost of a Chromebook is $250.00
• The replacement cost for accessory bags is $30.00
• A patron who leaves before the check-in procedure is completed on more than one occasion may not be eligible for a Chromebook loan for one month. Use the Modify User wizard to add a Comment to the user record explaining the issue and date when the patron may check out a Chromebook again. Ex. "Patron did not wait for Chromebook to be checked in on 10/5/2017 and 11/7/2017. No Chromebook checkout until 12/7/2017 LC/NWL 11/7/2017​"
• The Chromebook will be considered lost or stolen 5 hours after the loan period has ended
• Under no circumstances should a borrower leave a Chromebook unattended. The library will not be responsible for a lost or stolen Chromebook even when it is used in the library
• The borrower is fully responsible and fiscally liable for all costs associated with damage to the Chromebook or accessories during the checkout period, or replacement costs if lost or stolen
• If accessories are missing at check in, see problem shelf.
• If accessories are damaged at check in, the standard Damaged Material policies and procedures will be applied

Rationale

The demand for Internet access continues to grow and Internet access is increasingly necessary for basic needs such as applying for jobs. Multnomah County Library will circulate Chromebook computers in an effort to meet that demand.

Checkout is limited to patrons ages 13 and older because Chromebooks allow unfiltered internet access.  Patrons 13-17 whose parent or guardian has requested filtered internet access may not check out Chromebooks.