PACER Simon Technology Center (STC)
Lending Library Policies
September 2018
Statement of Purpose: The intention of the STC Lending Library is to provide an opportunity for consumers, parents, and professionals to preview a wide variety of educational programs and assistive technology devices. Over 1,500 selections are available for members to borrow and preview in their own home, or school settings.
A. Membership Agreement
Membership to the STC Lending Library is open to any resident who is:
1. A consumer with a disability with person responsible for any fines (self, parent, guardian or professional).
2. The parent or guardian of a child with a disability.
3. A professional, school, or organization serving students with disabilities.
STC Lending Library membership options for residents of Minnesota:
· $200 annual membership for professionals or organizations.
· $50 annual membership for parents, guardians, and consumers.
· $10 First Steps membership for families, guardians and consumers.
· MN Star memberships (free) allow for loans of MN Star inventory.
STC Lending Library membership options for out of state members:
· $250 annual membership for professionals or organizations.
· $100 annual membership for parents, guardians, and consumers.
Payment is accepted by cash, check, credit card, or purchase order, made out to PACER Center. A completed application must be attached to the payment. Members in good standing wishing to renew should submit an updated application and membership fee. Each membership requires one contact person responsible for any fees incurred for lost or damaged items. No consumer, parent or guardian will be denied access based on inability to pay the membership fee. Memberships are non-refundable.
B. Borrowing Procedures
The one time First Steps memberships can borrow up to a maximum of four items at one time during a one-month membership. First Steps members may upgrade to an annual membership by paying the price difference of $40. Annual family or individual memberships may borrow up to four items and four iOS apps at a time. Organization memberships may borrow up to eight items and eight iOS apps at a time. The loan period is four weeks. Members are able to renew an item consecutively one time, as long as there is not an active wait list for the item.
Members can reserve items on the Simon Technology Center’s online inventory system. The library staff will contact them to further arrange the request. Members have a one-week period to retrieve reserved items. If the items are not available on the reservation start date, library members will be notified, and the one-week period will begin once items become available.
Members interested in borrowing equipment valued at $300 or more will also be asked to complete a special loan agreement form including a credit card deposit for the value of the item borrowed. According to library staff’s discretion, this policy may also be applicable for items valued under $300.
PACER will ship items postage paid to library members residing in greater Minnesota. Packages valuing a total of $99 or less will be mailed fourth-class library/media rate. Packages valuing a total of $100 or more will be mailed with package tracking through a delivery service such as UPS ground. Members will receive notice from library staff when their items are mailed. Members have one week from the date PACER ships items to notify library staff of items not received or of missing/damaged contents. Library members assume full responsibility for any missing items not reported during that one-week period. Members are responsible for paying the entire cost of returning the items. Members are strongly encouraged to send their return items via certified mail. Items are considered the responsibility of the borrower until they arrive at the STC Library.
The open hours for the STC Library are noon to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on one Saturday a month. For a list of open Saturdays, visit www.pacer.org/stc/library or call the library telephone at 952-838-1400. Members are encouraged to visit the STC Library during open hours to check-out and return items. However, members may request items at any time via phone, mail, e-mail at stclibrary@pacer.org, or our online database at https://STClendinglibrary.myturn.com/library/inventory/browse. Additionally, library appointments may be scheduled for regular business hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please contact library staff at least one business day in advance to request an appointment. Members can expect a response to their requests and inquiries from library staff within 1-2 business days.
C. Fines
Members cannot check out any items if they have overdue items or unpaid fines. Members with overdue items will receive two reminders—one automatic email, and one email from the library staff and then be billed for the replacement cost of the item, at a minimum of $50. Memberships will be cancelled 2 months after bill is issued if not paid in full or items are not returned. The full cost of the membership fee will be required to reinstate the membership after overdue items are returned or paid in full.
Each software or hardware package has an item label, attached to the item packaging or a yellow card insert in the packaging, which lists all the included contents (items, parts, and pieces). Members are responsible for returning each package in the same condition as it was loaned. If any item contents are damaged or lost, return the packaging and all remaining contents you have, including damaged contents. The member will be billed as necessary to restore the item to full functioning condition. Please contact library staff immediately if an item does not function properly.
D. Copyright Compliance
The STC Library abides by all lending and copyright laws governing the unlawful duplication of copyrighted computer software, manuals and assistive technology devices. It is the member’s responsibility to remove software from the computer hard drive before returning to PACER. It is illegal for members to copy software in any manner. Memberships will be terminated immediately for violating this policy and may be prosecuted by law.
E. Liability Statement
In using STC Library items, members understand and agree that the item is provided “as is” without warranty. In no event shall the STC be liable for any consequential, incidental or special damages arising from the use or inability to use items borrowed. We encourage you to purchase your own copy of a virus protection program.
By signing the membership application form, you agree to abide by all STC Library membership policies. Members who fail to read or follow policy will have their memberships terminated.
