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Technology

WINTER SESSION: Students can come to the library beginning December 4, 2023 to pick up a technology devices, if supplies are available. A wait list will be used if devices are not available. Requests will be made in person or by email (no phone requests).
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Technology Borrowing & Access 

AHC Library Laptops

  • Chromebooks will be loaned on a first come, first served basis, and the waitlist will be used once all available items are loaned. Contact the circulation desk to add your name to a waitlist.

Lower-Cost Technology Options for Students 

  • The College Buys website run by the Foundation for California Community Colleges offers low-priced options for Chromebooks (for example, Lenovo Chromebook for $239.95), laptops (for example, Windows 10 tablet/pc for $189.95), and software (for example, Microsoft office for $39.95). 
  • PCs for People offers low-cost technology for qualifying low-income individuals. 
  • Best Buy offers student discounts. 
  • Microsoft offers student discounts. 
  • Affordable Connectivity Program offers eligible households a one-time discount of up to $100  to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers. 
  • Santa Maria Public Library has a limited number of chromebooks available for loan: 

AHC Library Hotspots

  • Hotspots will be loaned on a first come, first served basis, and the waitlist will be used once all available items are loaned. Contact the circulation desk to add your name to a waitlist.

Lower cost Wi-Fi and Internet Options for Students 

  • California Connects Mobile Internet California Community Colleges students are eligible for the California Connects Mobile Internet service. This new mobile hotspot service, powered by Sprint, offers nationwide 4G LTE connectivity and allows users to connect up to 10 WiFi-enabled devices for up to 10 hours on a single charge, with no contract required, for only $19.99 a month.
  • Affordable Connectivity Program The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
  • National Digital Inclusion Alliance The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has compiled a list of current offers from ISPs that will help low-income households to acquire service at low or no cost. Most have eligibility limitations linked to income or program enrollment. The list also includes established, nationally available low-cost plans offered by nonprofit organizations. All offers are less than $30/month total cost (with no installation fees).
  • United Ways of California Low-Cost Internet See if you qualify for low-cost internet through the United Ways of California by entering your zip code.
  • Santa Maria Public Library has a limited number of mobile hotspots available

AHC Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in every building on the Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Ynez campuses. In addition, we have outdoor Wi-Fi available in a few areas on the Santa Maria campus. You can connect on the patio between the library and the Student Center, in the parking lot outside of the gym (bldg. N), in front of bldg. S, and in the parking lot near Humanities (bldg. C). To connect via your personal device, please follow these instructions from ITS. See image below:a map of the santa maria campus with prominant markings for where outdoor Wi-Fi is available.

Community Wi-Fi Resources 

Equipment Loan Policies & Procedures

Before checking out equipment, carefully read the following policies and procedures as well as Hancock's Computer and Network Use Board Policy 3720, and Standards of Student Conduct Board Policy 5500.

Students- please be aware that the device being loaned to you is for the current semester and needs to be returned at the end of that semester. All currently enrolled students are eligible to borrow a laptop and/or hotspot but if the student drops out of all classes they need to return the loaned device immediately. 

Library Equipment Loans:

  • Library Chromebooks and hotspots are semester length loans
  • At checkout, the student will read and sign the Library Equipment Loan Agreement
  • The student will use the equipment for AHC coursework only and only for the students' use. 
  • The student understands that a very limited inventory of equipment is available on a first-come-first-serve basis for one-time loans to eligible students. 
  • Loans are for a maximum of 1 semester unless otherwise noted.
  • If the equipment is necessary for an ongoing accommodation, the student must acquire their own. Please see options listed above. 

Library Equipment Returns:

  • The student will return the equipment in the condition it was received by the due date.
  • The student will log off of all accounts and delete all personal information.
  • Library staff will examine the equipment for damages and sign off on the return.
Damaged, lost or stolen equipment:
  • The student shall take reasonable precautions to protect the equipment from being damaged, lost or stolen. 
  • In cases where the equipment is damaged, lost, or stolen, the student must contact the Library at 805-922-6966 ext. 3683. 
  • If the equipment is stolen, the student must file a police report with the local police and provide the Library with a copy of the police report. If the theft occurred on campus, the student must also file a report with the AHC Campus Police.  
  • Failure to return the equipment, returning the equipment past the due date and/or returning damaged equipment may result in the student being barred from borrowing future equipment, a registration hold and liable to AHC for replacement costs.

If any library items are damaged, lost or stolen, please contact the Library immediately- we will work with you on a reasonable solution, please just contact us!

Equipment Care Conditions:

It is agreed and understood that the designee will exercise all due and reasonable care, handling and use of said equipment and agrees to voluntarily return the equipment in good condition upon the end of the mutually agreed upon period. Hancock College accepts and acknowledges the reasonable and normal wear and tear in the value of the equipment. Normal wear and tear does NOT include: 

  • Negligent use of misuse of the equipment that causes damage. 
  • Intentional damage to the equipment 
  • Loss of accessories

The designee shall take reasonable precautions to protect the equipment from being lost or stolen. In cases where the equipment or accessories are lost or stolen, the designee must contact the LIBRARY at 805-922-6966 ext. 3683 immediately. Failure to return the equipment and accessories will cause the designee to be liable to AHC for the replacement cost. The designee shall not lend or give the equipment in this agreement to others. Any content, information, programs or materials stored on the equipment by the designee is not considered personal or private and will be removed when the equipment is returned.

Questions? Please contact us at 805-922-6966 ext. 3683 or via email at circulation@hancockcollege.edu