Chromebook FAQs
Q. How do I save documents and media on an SJ Access Chromebook?
You will need to use a cloud-based platform to save documents and media.
Q. Do I need a Google account to use an SJ Access Chromebook?
You don't need to have an account to use this Chromebook. You can search the internet with the "guest user" account. Anything done as a "guest user" will not be saved at the end of a session.
Q. Can San José Public Library see what I'm doing on an SJ Access Chromebook?
If you are logging in as "guest user," you will see a warning that says San José Public Library has access to everything you do. This is NOT true. We do not have access to what you do.
Q. Can I use an SJ Access Chromebook to access my Google account?
You can log in with your Google account and have access to or download Google apps from the Google Play Store. Anything you save should sync with your Google account.
Q. What do I do if I don't have a cloud account for an SJ Access Chromebook?
If you don't have a cloud account, you may want to save documents to Google Drive. To do this you will need to get a Google account. The Chromebook will walk you through this process.
Q. What happens to my information when I return an SJ Access Chromebook?
Your activity will be deleted from the Chromebook when you return it. This includes apps you purchased and data you downloaded.
Q. Can I use a flash drive with an SJ Access Chromebook?
You may not be able to access documents from a flash drive.
Q. What happens if there is a problem with something I downloaded to an SJ Access Chromebook?
SJPL is not responsible for apps, music, or data purchased and stored on borrowed devices.
Q. How long can I keep an SJ Access Chromebook borrowed from the library?
The checkout period is 90 days with one auto-renewal of 30 days if there are no other requests on the item.
Q. Who can check out an SJ Access Youth (Filtered) Chromebook?
Anyone with a library card in good standing. These are not limited to children.
Q. Can the SJ Access Youth (Filtered) Chromebook's 4G network be shared like a hotspot?
No. The Chromebook's 4G network only connects the Chromebook to the internet. No other devices can connect to the 4G network.
Q. What does "Filtered" mean?
The term "Filtered" refers to a web/internet filter.
A web filter is designed to restrict what websites users can visit. There are a few more things to know about web filters:
- The intent is to block websites considered threatening or harmful.
- Web filters are not perfect. They can't block all threatening and harmful websites. They may block access to legitimate research sites.
- Web filters do not protect users from cyber bullying, financial crimes, computer viruses, or other illegal activities.
Learn more about protecting yourself and others online with our Virtual Privacy Lab.
Q. What do I need to check out an SJ Access device?
You will need the following to check out most SJ Access devices:
- Library Card: One of our physical library cards. If you have an eLibrary Card, you will need to get it converted to one of our physical cards. Here are the requirements for a Full Access physical library card:
- Visit one of our 25 locations to get your card.
- Be a California resident.
- Show a valid Photo ID with your legal name. Examples:
- California driver’s license
- Passport
- Permanent resident ID
- Employee ID
- Show proof of your current address in California. Examples:
- California driver's license
- Paycheck
- Mail postmarked within 30 days.
- Agree to our Borrower's Agreement.
- If you don't meet one the above requirements, contact us. We have other types of physical cards that you might qualify for.
- Maybe an Adult: Library card members ages 17 and under need to be accompanied by an adult to pick up their device.
If you are checking out a Wi-Fi (wifi) for the school year, visit our Hotspots for San José Students page for details on what you will need.
Q. How many holds can I place on an SJ Access device, including hotspots, Chromebooks, iPads, and laptops?
The maximum number of holds you can place is two. Any more than two holds may be canceled.