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Borrowing Technology


Electricity Usage Monitors, Playaway Launchpads, and Thermal Cameras

Borrowable Chromebooks

Borrowable Chromeboooks are only available at the Laurel Branch Library. Please contact Ask A Librarian at (240) 455-5451 to ask about availability.

Borrowing

Como pedir prestado

Reserve a ChromebookReservar un Chromebook

Adults ages 18 and older with library cards in good standing may borrow the Chromebooks, and one device per customer may be borrowed. No LINK or student accounts will be allowed.

Los adultos mayores de 18 años con tarjetas vigentes de la biblioteca pueden pedir prestado los Chromebooks, y un dispositivo por cliente puede ser prestado. No se permitirán cuentas de LINK ni las de estudiantes.

Customers may borrow the Chromebook for six weeks. As long as there are no hold requests from other customers, it will be renewable once.

Los clientes pueden prestar el Chromebook por seis semanas. Se podrán renovar una vez si no hay pedidos de otros clientes.

Each Chromebook is pre-loaded with the following applications:

Cada Chromebook tiene las siguientes aplicaciones:

  • Google Chrome
  • Google Classroom
  • Skype
  • Zoom

Connecting to WiFi

Conectando a WiFi

Chromebooks are relatively easy to use. Connecting to WiFi may be the most difficult step for some customers if they haven't done it before. They should verify that they have the correct network name and password if they are having issues connecting to the internet.

Los Chromebook son relativamente fáciles de usar. Conectarse a WiFi puede ser el paso más difícil para algunos clientes si ellos no lo han hecho antes. Ellos deben verificar que tienen el nombre de la red y contraseña correcta si tienen problemas conectando al internet.

Chromebook User GuideGuía de usuario del Chromebook

Caring for the Chromebook

El cuidado del Chromebook

Here are a few tips for protecting the Chromebook:

Estos aquí son algunos consejos para proteger el Chromebook:

  • Keep the device in its carrying bag and in a safe place while not in use. / Guardar el dispositivo en la bolsa de transporte y en un lugar seguro mientras no lo usa.
  • Be gentle when using the touchscreen. Protect the screen by not closing and objects (e.g. headphones) in between the screen and keyboard. / Tenga cuidado usando la pantalla táctil. Proteja la pantalla al no cerrar ningún objeto (p.ej. audífonos) entre la pantalla y el teclado.
  • Chromebooks perform best in relatively cool areas. Avoid using it for long periods in direct sunlight or humid conditions. / Los Chromebooks funcionan mejor en áreas relativamente frías. Evite usarlo durante periodos prolongados bajo la luz solar directa o condiciones húmedas.
  • Open and close the Chromebook carefully. Close the Chromebook before carrying it around. / Abra y cierre el Chromebook con cuidado. Cierre el Chromebook antes de llevárselo.
  • Keep food and drink away from the device. / Tenga comida y bebidas lejos del dispositivo.
  • Remove power cords from an outlet by the plug rather than by cord. / Quite los cables de la tomacorriente por el enchufe en lugar del cordón.

Damaged devices or parts will be charged at the cost of the part:

  • Chromebook carrying bag - $10.00

Device will be disabled after 5 days overdue.

Quick Instructions for Customers

Instrucciones para clientes

  • Customers may log into the Chromebook using a Gmail account or using a guest login. / Los clientes pueden ingresar en el Chromebook por medio de una cuenta de Gmail o un acceso de invitado.
  • Users may download additional apps from the Google Play Store. (Some apps may not download due to security settings). / Usuarios pueden descargar aplicaciones adicionales de Google Play Store. (Algunas aplicaciones no se pueden descargar debido a configuraciones de seguridad.)
  • Personal files and downloaded apps will not be saved. / Los archivos personales y aplicaciones descargadas no se guardarán.
  • Users can save work to their flash drive or Google Drive. / Usuarios pueden guardar su tarea a su memoria flash o Google Drive.
  • The Chromebook has a built-in webcam. Users may participate in video calls or meetings. / El Chromebook tiene una webcam incorporada. Los usuarios pueden participar en videollamadas y reuniones.
  • The Chromebook is equipped with a micro SD slot and combination headphone/microphone jack (headphones not included). / El Chromebook está equipado con una ranura micro SD y conector combinado de audífonos y micrófonos.
  • Chromebooks do not have a CD drive. / Los Chromebooks no tienen unidad de CD.

Saving your work

Guardar su trabajo

  • Users can save work to their flash drive or Google Drive only. / Usuarios pueden guardar tarea a su memoria flash o Google Drive solamente.
  • Chromebooks have a CD headphone/microphone jack (headphones not included). / Los Chromebooks tienen un conector combinado de audífonos y micrófonos.

Security Issues

Problemas de seguridad

  • Be sure that you keep the Chromebook in your possession at all times. You are responsible for any loss or damage while the device is checked out to you. / Asegúrese que mantenga siempre el Chromebook en su posesión. Es responsable de cualquier pérdida o daño mientras el dispositivo se toma prestado.
  • Chromebooks can be easily damaged by impact or damage from liquid spills. Users should be extremely careful with them. / Los Chromebooks se pueden dañar fácilmente por impacto o derrames líquidos. Los usuarios deben ser extremadamente cuidadosos con ellos.
  • Please do not modify security features or attempt to install software outside of the Google Play store. Please note that some apps in the Google Play Store may be unable to be downloaded to the device. / Por favor no modifique las configuraciones de seguridad ni intente descargar software fuera de la Google Play Store. Tenga en cuenta que es posible que algunas aplicaciones de Google Play Store no puedan descargarse en el dispositivo.

Customer FAQ's

Preguntas comunes del usuario

  1. How do I get started or how do I log in? / ¿Cómo iniciar o cómo ingresar?
    • Customers may log into the Chromebook using a Gmail account or using a guest login. / Usuarios pueden ingresar al Chromebook por medio de su cuenta de Gmail o acceso de invitado.
  2. How do I get a Gmail Account? / ¿Cómo obtener una cuenta de Gmail?
  3. Can I download apps? / ¿Puedo descargar aplicaciones?
    • Users may download additional apps from the Google Play Store. (Some apps may not download due to security settings). / Los usuarios pueden descargar aplicaciones adicionales de Google Play Store. (Algunas aplicaciones no pueden descargar debido a configuraciones de seguridad.)
  4. Can I save my work to the Chromebook? / ¿Puedo guardar mis trabajos en el Chromebook?
    • Personal files and downloaded apps will not be saved. Users can save work to their flash drive or Google Drive. / Los archivos personales y aplicaciones descargadas no se guardarán.Usuarios pueden guardar sus trabajos a su memoria flash o Google Drive.
  5. Does the Chromebook have a camera or can I participate in Zoom or video calls? / ¿El chromebook tiene una cámara o puedo participar en reuniones de Zoom o videollamadas?
    • Yes, the Chromebook has a built-in webcam. Users may participate in video calls or meetings. / Sí, el Chromebook tiene una webcam incorporada. Los usuarios pueden participar en videollamadas o reuniones
  6. Can I use headphones with the Chromebook? / ¿Puedo usar audífonos con el Chromebook?
    • Yes, the Chromebook is equipped with a micro SD slot and combination headphone/microphone jack (headphones not included). / Sí, el Chromebook está equipado con una ranura micro SD y conector combinado de audífonos/micrófonos.
  7. Does the Chromebook have a CD player? / ¿El Chromebook tiene un lector de CD?
    • Chromebooks do not have a CD drive. / Los Chromebook no tienen una unidad de CD.
  8. How long can I use the Chromebook without power? / ¿Cuánto tiempo puedo usar el Chromebook sin carga?
    • The Chromebook has up to 12 hours of battery life depending on what you are doing. Video meetings use more battery life. / El Chromebook tiene hasta 12 horas de duración de batería dependiendo de lo que está haciendo. Las videollamadas utilizan más energía.
  9. Can I print from a Chromebook? / ¿Puedo imprimir de un Chromebook?
    • Yes, you may use mobile printing. Follow the easy instructions on our website. / Sí, puede utilizar impresión móvil. Sigue las instrucciones en nuestro sitio web.
  10. Can the Chromebooks be returned to the dropbox? / ¿Se pueden devolver los Chromebooks al buzón exterior de libros?
    • No, to assure the device is not damaged, the Chromebook must be returned inside at the branch where it was borrowed. / No, para asegurar que el dispositivo no se dañe, el Chromebook debe devolverse dentro de la biblioteca donde fue prestado.

Electricity Usage Monitors

Borrowing

Adults ages 18 and older with library cards in good standing may borrow the Kill a Watt, and one device per household may be borrowed. No LINK or student accounts will be allowed. Customers must present their library card and a valid photo ID to the circulation staff. The device must be returned to the original borrowing location and cannot be returned in the bookdrop. These devices can be borrowed for one week (7 days) with three renewals. Please check the availability of the devices and place a hold. The Kill a Watt will be delivered to your chosen library location and can be picked up at the circulation desk.

Damaged devices or parts will be charged at the cost of the part: damaged case: $25.00

Quick Start Video

Playaway Launchpads

Playaway Launchpad tablets are for children ages 3-5 and are pre-loaded with learning apps and games. The devices offer apps on specific themes: A Day At The Zoo, All About Animals, Beep Beep Vroom Vroom, Build It Fix It, Hello! Bonjour!, Imagination Way, Peek-a-Zoo, Princess University, School of Fish, Si! Yes Si!, Transport Station, Van Gogh Go Go, Where Would You Go?, and You Auto Know. 

Borrowing

Adults ages 18 and older with library cards in good standing may borrow the Launchpad, and one device per household may be borrowed. No LINK or student accounts will be allowed. Launchpads are circulated in a case which contains the Launchpad tablet and cord. Holds may be placed on Launchpads. These devices can be borrowed for one week (7 days) with three renewals. Launchpads should not be returned in the bookdrop.

Damaged devices or parts will be charged at the cost of the part: $10 for lost or damaged case or cord.

Thermal Cameras

Find problems around the home fast, like where you’re losing heat, how your insulation’s holding up, electrical problems, and water damage – all of which are point-and-shoot and easy to find. Separate devices for Apple and Android phones are available for checkout. 

Borrowing

Adults ages 18 and older with library cards in good standing may borrow thermal cameras, and one device per household may be borrowed. No LINK or student accounts will be allowed. Customers must present their library card and a valid photo ID to the circulation staff. The device must be returned to the original borrowing location and cannot be returned in the bookdrop. These devices can be borrowed for one week (7 days) with three renewals.

Damaged devices or parts will be charged at the cost of the part: $25 for a damaged case.

Helpful Videos:

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