Richardson Public Library has laptops with free Internet access and Word, Excel and PowerPoint from Microsoft Office 2010 for use by our patrons. Google Chrome is installed on the laptops. The laptops are linked to a networked laser printer: printing is 15 cents per page for black and white printing and 50 cents per page for color printing. Patrons using our laptops must agree to abide by our Internet Use Policy.

Files may be uploaded from, or downloaded to, flash drives. Laptop use is limited to pre-installed programs; other software may not be installed on library laptops.
 
A Richardson Public Library card is required to use the laptops. If you do not have a card with us, please learn how to get one here.

Laptop Kiosk Terms of Use

• I understand that the laptop can only be used within the library and cannot be taken outside the library.
• I agree to take proper care of the laptop.
• I agree to keep the laptop with me at all times.
• I agree not to let anyone else use the laptop.
• I understand that I am responsible for the loss of or damage to the laptop.
• I agree to return the device to the kiosk when my time of use is up.
• I understand that the laptop must be returned to the kiosk 15 minutes before the library closes. I understand that documents or other work created must be saved to an external storage device such as a flash drive or cloud storage.
• I understand that all files and downloads will be deleted when the laptop is rebooted.
• I agree to follow all library policies and procedures related to equipment use at the Richardson Public Library.
• Vandalizing, abusing or stealing Library materials or equipment is prohibited under the Library’s C-Tech User Guidelines and the Internet Use Guidelines, and will result in suspension of library privileges. In addition, patrons who steal, vandalize, or abuse a device may be reported to law enforcement authorities and be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties.
• I have read and agree to abide by the Laptop Kiosk Terms of Use.

 
Questions? See if yours is answered here:
Laptop Kiosk — Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I borrow a laptop?
Follow the on-screen instructions in English. These instructions include reading and accepting the Laptop Kiosk Terms of Use. You must also have a valid Richardson Public Library card without fines over $10. 

2. How long can I borrow a kiosk device?
The time limit is up to an hour per day.

3. Do I have to sign a Laptop Kiosk use form?
No signature is required, but you must read and accept the Laptop Kiosk Terms of Use each time you borrow a laptop. It is part of the laptop checkout process on the Laptop Kiosk.

4. Do you restrict where I can take the laptop?
The laptops are for Library Use Only and are not allowed to be taken out of the Library building.

5. Is there a receipt for borrowing?
Once the laptop ejects from the kiosk slot, a receipt will automatically be sent to your email. The subject line will show, "Deviceanytime Notification Kiosk RPL" and the receipt will include your library card number, the location of the kiosk, and the date/time of checkout.

6. What do I do if the laptop is not functioning properly when I first borrow it?
Return the laptop to the kiosk as soon as you realize there is a problem with it. Please choose the displayed option that most closely describes the problem you had with the laptop. Let a staff member know that the laptop you initially borrowed is not working properly. Then check out another laptop if one is available. 

7. Is there a late fee and how much is it?
There is no late fee but your device borrowing privileges as well as your library use privileges may be suspended if you return a laptop late.

8. What happens if I lose or damage the laptop?
You are responsible for the loss or damage up to the total cost of the device per the Laptop Kiosk Terms of Use that you accepted when borrowing the laptop.

9. Why can't I borrow a device someone else just returned?
The Laptop Kiosk performs functions such as deleting the previous patron's data and recharging the battery. Until these processes are completed, the laptop cannot be borrowed.

10. Why are some of the laptops not able to be borrowed?
A laptop cannot be borrowed while it is still in charging mode or if one was reported damaged. Charging devices will show up as yellow on the kiosk screen. Damaged devices will show up as yellow with a wrench icon. Damaged devices will be repaired and/or replaced as soon as possible.

11. How do I connect to the wireless network?
Log into the laptop right after you borrow it using your library card number and pin. Once logged into the laptop, it will connect automatically to the Internet.

12. When I return the laptop, what happens to any data I have left on it?
The laptops are wiped clean to protect patron privacy after each use. However, we do suggest that you delete all of your information, sign out of online accounts, and delete user browser history.

13. What do I do if the battery dies while I'm using it?
Please return the laptop to staff so that they can assist you with another laptop.

14. What if I get a virus?
All equipment provided is guaranteed to be 100% virus-free when delivered to you. If you get a virus while using the laptop, a simple reboot will remove it. NOTE: Save your work to an external storage device first.

15. Can I store data on the drive temporarily?
Yes; however, we recommend that you use an external storage device and save your work that way. If the laptop reboots anytime during the allotted borrowing time, all data is wiped out.

16. Can I print from the laptop?
Yes. Go through the Print Menu, select the BW Printer for black and white ($0.15/page) or Internet Color Printer ($0.50/page). You will be prompted to enter a job name; name it something meaningful to you. Then go to the print release station to pay for and release the print job. For questions, please ask for help at the Questions Desk.

 For more information, see "Using The Richardson Public Library Computers".