Because to their combination of low cost, simplicity of use, and practicality, Chromebooks are highly common in educational institutions. Another expanding application involves the purchase of Chrome OS computers by US libraries, who then loan them out to visitors for protracted periods of time. The list of libraries that allow you to check out a Chromebook with an internet hotspot is not all-inclusive.
WHY DO LIBRARIES RENTAL COMPUTERS? Libraries have made an effort over the past few years to stay current and provide services other than books. This covers access to subscription services, e-books, audiobooks, and a lot more. The availability of desktop computers, print services, and free Wi-Fi is another in-branch feature.
Libraries are starting to increasingly provide Chromebooks that users may check out for weeks at a time, exactly like books. This is done to ensure that everyone has access to connectivity and to help close the current digital gap.
WHY DO BOOKSTORES USE CHROME OS? We discovered that a sizable majority of library systems employ Chromebooks when setting up computer borrowing services, though not all do. The iPad is the other widely used gadget.
The public library system chose 15,000 Chromebooks in the case of Harris County, Texas due to its security, affordability, and utility (both for end users and device/fleet management). Regarding the latter, just roughly 10 employees of the IT team, the most of whom are already occupied in the field, were required to administrate the devices for this particular system.
HOW WORK LENDER-OWNED CHROMEBOOKS? Although specifics vary by city, we discovered commonalities such as borrowing periods estimated in weeks or months and frequently including internet access via hotspots. In terms of logistics, Chromebooks are automatically erased (factory reset) between users, and if they are not returned by the due date, they will automatically lock and have their internet service terminated. In addition to frequently requiring users to sign an agreement form, libraries will charge visitors for any hardware damage they do.
WHAT US LIBRARIES ALLOW CHROMEBOOK LOANS? The list that follows, which we will continue to update, is not all-inclusive per state. To make additions or corrections, kindly get in touch.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
Jersey, New
A new York
N. Carolina
Carolina, South
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Date of initial publication: April 4, 2022
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