Electronic Device Lending Policy

Brownell Library seeks to provide materials in a variety of formats to meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of the residents of the Village of Essex Junction and offers a selection of electronic devices for loan.

Borrowers must present a valid Adult library card, in good standing, in order, to check out an electronic device from Brownell Library. All Juvenile card holders would need consent from a parent or guardian to check out electronic devices to take home. Electronic devices can be checked out for “in house” use by Brownell Library cardholders of any age. Brownell Library reserves the right to limit the loan of certain devices to only Brownell Library cardholders, depending on demand.

Electronic devices are not available for transit to other libraries or for interlibrary loan.

Borrowers are responsible for the safe- keeping and return of these items to the library in good working order, and assume liability for the equipment while it is in their care. Borrowers are responsible for damaged and/or missing pieces of the lent items. Patron agrees to cover the cost of damage and/or replacement costs, as determined by the library and listed on the carrying case.

Electronic devices must be kept in a temperature-controlled environment (not left in vehicles or structures in extreme temperatures).

The Library will not clear stored data from any electronic device after it is returned, and is not responsible for personal information left on the device. Borrowers are responsible for removing any files or downloads that occurred when they had the device checked out. Borrowers may not register the device with personal credit cards. The Library will not reimburse borrowers for any purchases made on the device.

Deliberately altering any files, or modifying the configuration of Library-owned equipment is strictly prohibited.

The Library does its best to provide clean, secure, and fully functional equipment, but is not responsible for charging the device or unforeseen hardware or software failure, data loss or interruption of service during use. Library staff will make every effort to document any existing damage, however if a borrower discovers any pre-existing damage to electronic devices checked out, the borrower should notify library staff as soon as possible. Failure to notify the library of existing damage limits the borrower’s ability to dispute charges for a damaged device or equipment.

Any use of the device for illegal purposes, unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material in any format, or transmission of threatening, harassing, defamatory, or obscene materials is strictly prohibited.

Some electronic devices may offer access to the internet, and the library is not liable for any material accessed beyond pre-loaded materials.

Electronic devices may not be returned to other libraries or to the Brownell Library indoor or outdoor book drops. Brownell Library requests that electronic devices be returned inside the Library to a staff member behind the Main or Youth Circulations desks. Library staff will inspect contents at checkout and return to ensure all items associated with the item are accounted for and appear to be in good condition.

Electronic devices are not considered returned until all items associated with it, including (but not limited to) AC adapter, USB cord, tablet, protective cases, and carrying case, have been returned to the library in good condition. If any items are missing upon return, the library reserves the right to refuse acceptance of the equipment until all items are returned. Alternatively, if an item is returned at the library via book drop or other means, the Library will charge the borrower for any resulting damage due to conditions in the book drop.

Borrowers agree to abide by all library policies and procedures when borrowing electronic devices, or other library materials. The library reserves the right to deny the use of electronic devices to any borrower who does not adhere to Brownell Library policies and procedures.

This policy was approved by the Board of Trustees of the Brownell Library, June 19, 2018