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Chromebooks and Mobile Hotspots
Washington County Library has Chromebooks and hotspot devices to help you access the internet outside of the library! Hotspots can be checked out separately to use with your own devices or borrowed as part of a Chromebook kit.
Loan Periods
Hotspots and Chromebook kits can be checked out for one month at a time, and if there are no other holds may be renewed three times. Devices that are 30 days overdue will be automatically disabled and cannot be used until they are returned.
Lost or broken devices may accrue up to $250 in replacement or repair fees.
To check out a hotspot or Chromebook kit
Place a hold using our catalog, contact us by phone or email, or visit your local library to request one in person. You will receive an email notification when the item is available to pick up.
Please note: Devices must be picked up at a library branch. They cannot be delivered to Library Express lockers.
Using a Chromebook
- Turn on the hotspot included in the kit.
- Turn on the Chromebook and accept the terms and conditions. The Chromebook should automatically connect to this hotspot for internet service. It cannot connect to any other Wi-Fi networks.
- If the hotspot is not automatically connected, tap or click on the Wi-Fi
icon in the lower right corner of the screen and a menu will popup. Tap on the "Not connected" dropdown menu, then on the hotspot network name to connect.
- After connecting to the hotspot, the Chromebook will allow you to browse and use apps on the internet. You are encouraged to use a Google account if you plan to do work or save projects. If you do not have an account, you can sign up for free.
Saving Information
Like other library computers, your session will be cleared when you log out of the Chromebook. There are a number of options to save your work:
Use a Google Account | Save Files to the Cloud | Use a Flash Drive |
If you are logged in to a Google account, you'll be able to use all Google apps right in your Chromebook browser. Any work you do while you are logged in and using a Google app is automatically saved to the cloud. Downloaded files can also be uploaded to your Google Drive account. | If you prefer not to use a Google account, there are other online options to save files. Some services may not be free, depending on your needs.
| If you download a file while using the Chromebook, it will be temporarily saved to the Downloads folder. To move your file to a flash drive (also called a USB, jump or thumb drive):
|
Google Apps
Chromebooks do not have software like Microsoft Office or Adobe Create Suite. However, a Gmail account gives you access to several free Google applications that have similar functions. Your work in these applications will be automatically saved within your account.
Task | Google App | Similar Apps | |
Gmail | Outlook, Mail | ||
Create a document | Docs | Word, Pages | |
Create a spreadsheet | Sheets | Excel, Numbers | |
Create a presentation | Slides | PowerPoint, Keynote | |
Make calls and video chat | Duo | Skype, Zoom | |
Organize your calendar | Calendar | Outlook, iCal | |
Find and save files | Drive | OneDrive, iCloud | |
Find and save photos | Photos | Microsoft Photos, iPhoto |
Overview
- Hotspot borrowers are subject to Washington County Library's Internet Use Policy.
- You can connect up to 10 devices to the hotspot. The more devices that are connected, the slower the network will be.
- Hotspots are recommended for basic internet browsing, email, and other small tasks. Hotspots are not recommended for streaming HD video, downloading or uploading large files, video gaming, or other tasks that require high bandwidth, as these activities will slow down your internet speed.
Using a Hotspot
NOTE: If you have a Chromebook kit, your Chromebook should automatically connect to the hotspot once both devices are turned on. If the hotspot is not automatically connected, tap or click on the Wi-Fiicon in the lower right corner of the screen and a menu will popup. Tap on the "Not connected" dropdown menu, then on the hotspot network name to connect.
Turn on the hotspot |
Troubleshooting: If the network does not appear, the battery could be dead. Plug in your hotspot to let it charge. We encourage keeping the hotspot plugged in as much as possible while in use and to charge between uses so the battery does not run out. |
Connect your device to the internet |
Troubleshooting: Try to use the hotspot in an open space, near a window or external wall. If still unable to connect, try restarting your device. |
Turn off the hotspot |
|
Help for Hotspots and Chromebooks:
- Hotspots:Instructions and Troubleshooting Guide
- Chromebooks:Instructions and Troubleshooting Guide
Ayuda en Espanol:
Contact Us
If you have any questions about using a hotspot or Chromebook, library staff are happy to help!
Service for Washington County Library’s hotspots and Chromebook kits is supported by the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund. To use this federal funding, we are required to save the checkout records for the hotspots and Chromebook kits and ask users who check out a device to confirm they do not have sufficient access to the internet. This information will be retained for ten years and will not be accessed by anyone unless we are audited by the federal government. In that case, identifying information will be de-identified and anonymized whenever possible. Learn more.