LibInsider Topics

Answered By: Amy Conerly
Last Updated: Jun 04, 2025     Views: 4245

Connect Kit Overview

Connect Kits include a Chromebook paired with a Wi-Fi hotspot, circulating from all branch locations (except AS). 

See our LibGuide for information available to the public. https://research.fairfaxcounty.gov/library-technology/chromebooks

  • All Connect Kits have been added to a Google Admin Console which allows the Chromebooks to be deactivated when overdue.
    • Enrolled devices are not powerwashed between users, and patrons cannot login with their own Gmail accounts to the device itself (just through a browser.)
    • If a Chromebook has been remotely disabled and then is returned and re-enabled by Amy or Ryan, in order to know that it has been re-enabled, it will generally need to be restarted and connected to the hotspot before being usable again.

When a Chromebook is returned to your branch and displays this screen, please email Amy Conerly and Ryan Cain to say that the kit has been returned. After Amy or Ryan emails back that the kit has been re-enabled, restart the Chromebook and connect it to the hotspot for it to re-enable itself. 

Chromebook locked screen

 

Check Out Process 

One Chromebook may be checked out at a time. A hold on a second Chromebook may be placed, but the first Chromebook would need to be returned before checking out the next device. 

They can be checked out to our standard and reciprocal cards but not to LEAP, EDUCATOR, Non-Resident, or temporary PACREG cards.

Getting the Forms Signed

  • Please verify that:
    • Patrons borrowing a Connect Kit are over 18
    • Their record has a confirmed street address as a primary address or secondary address to a PO BOX
    • Their card is not blocked
    • Consider asking for an ID if you are unclear about any of the above.
  • Patrons sign the form(s) each time they check out the Connect Kit.
    • All branches will have patrons sign the Wi-Fi Hotspot Checkout Agreement form.
    • The following branches will ALSO have patrons sign the ECF Emergency Connectivity Fund form - BC CH DM GF HE JM KN KP LO MW OK PH PO RB TJ TY WW.

    • All branches: 

    • These branches only: BC CH DM GF HE JM KN KP LO MW OK PH PO RB TJ TY WW.

  • Patrons can sign digitally using the Digital Signature Pad and these links: 
  • OR
  • Have printed copies of the forms ready for patrons to sign upon each checkout. (Forms are attached to this post in the Files section at the bottom.)
  • Collect signed forms in a central spot for branch management to submit daily.

Scanning the Forms - Management Staff Only

  • Management scans each patron agreement form using your branch Konica which sends the PDF to SharePoint lists.
  • Use this naming convention for the File Name. It's very important to use the naming convention for the File Name, vs the Subject Line:
    Branch Code-Patron Last Name-Patron Card Number.
  1. Sign into your backroom copier.
  2. Press the soft button Scan in the top right (vs the hard button Scan on the bottom).


     
  3. Select Email.


     
  4. All branches - select the button that says Wifi Hotspot. Only ECF branches will see a second button showing ECF. ECF branches should follow the instructions in step 5 below for each button.

    ECF and WiFi HotSpot buttons
     
  5. Scan the patron agreement form(s). You may have better luck using the top feeder over the glass.
    1. Leave the Subject line blank.
    2. Name the attachment itself using this convention in the File Name line (scroll down to page 2 on the copier Scan screen):
      1. Branch code–Patron Last Name–Library card number
      2. Use the Uppercase Letter option.
      3. The date will be automatically attached to the file name in SharePoint.
  6. Once the form(s) have been scanned, the paper copies can be shredded.


Ignore Subject

File Name

Uppercase Letters and Naming

 

Returned Kits 

  • Devices that are enrolled in the new Google Admin Console which allows us to remotely brick Chromebooks no longer need to be powerwashed.
  • Wipe down the Chromebooks after they are returned, using supplies purchased through your branch fund. Evergreen or Clorox are suggested models.

Overdues and Deactivation

  • Overdue Items - Amy and Ryan receive a report each morning on overdue (by at least 48 hours) Kits and deactivates overdue items as needed.
    • Any kits that are overdue will have an alert placed in the item record "Free Text Block". Alert wording will be "Connect Kit overdue and has been deactivated. Email Amy Conerly and Ryan Cain to reactivate upon return."
  • Returned Items - Once staff have emailed that the item has been returned, Amy and Ryan will reactivate the item and delete the Leap note.
  • If a Chromebook has been remotely disabled and then is returned and re-enabled it will need to be restarted and connected to the hotspot before being usable again.

If your Chromebook displays this screen after it has been re-enabled remotely: Turn on the hotspot, then restart the Chromebook and connect it to the hotspot to allow it to re-enable itself.

If the Terms of Service do not load automatically, try a Sign Out.

Chromebook Locked Screen

 

Missing Parts

If Connect Kits are missing a part, Lib-IT would need to purchase replacements. The kit would stay at branches, while branches request replacement parts from Lib-IT.

If Connect Kits are returned to the wrong branches, please place an ESMP ticket and Chris or Gene will return them.

Troubleshooting 

  • If any of our Chromebooks have issues connecting to FCPL_Wifi - The Chromebook kits have the Moxee or AT&T hotspots with them. Can try connecting to that, and then switch over to FCPL_Wifi to get the Accept screen to come up more easily. Sometimes it comes right up, other times it needs assistance.
  • If the hotspot is not connecting, scroll to Device Settings and make sure "Mobile Data" and "Data Roaming" are both selected with check marks.

Links & Files

FAQ Actions