How to Use Tablets for Public Use

Across libraries, hospitals, schools, and even museums, the journey to offering digital access usually starts the same way:

“Let’s just get a few tablets for public use and see how it goes.”

And honestly? That’s not a bad idea.

Tablets are easy to use, affordable, and familiar. For many organisations, starting small with regular, off-the-shelf devices is a smart first step toward digital access for everyone.

But public use isn’t the same as personal use.
Once a tablet is shared with many people, unexpected problems can pop up fast.

So, if you’re using personal tablets for public use, or planning to, here are some tips to help you start strong:

• Set clear time limits so everyone gets a turn.
• Decide which apps can be used on the tablets.
• Use basic parental controls to block inappropriate content.
• Label devices and keep track of them with sign-out sheets or desk logs.
• Make one team member responsible for setup and charging.
• Create simple user guides or laminated instructions in different languages.

These steps can work pretty well at the start. But over time, as more people use the tablets, you’ll likely run into problems that slow down your staff, increase risks, and make digital access harder for everyone.

Let’s take a closer look at the biggest issues — and how people usually try to fix them.

1.  Security Concerns: Theft & Misuse

Tablets are meant to be mobile and personal. In public spaces, they can be easily stolen or used in ways you didn’t intend.

How to fix:
Use anti-theft devices like mounted holders or wired locks to keep tablets in place.

• Advantage:
  Easy to find. Many anti-theft options are already on the market.
• Disadvantage:
  Once the tablet is mounted, it can’t move. This limits flexibility and often needs permanent fixtures or extra space.

Read: Hublets allow Redbridge Central Library’s customers to be more mobile around the library

Normal tablet lock stand and Hublet Dock tablet station

2. Child-Safe Content Management

In general, tablets offer open access to browsers, app stores, and third-party ads. They may expose children and vulnerable users to unsuitable content.

How to fix:
Lock down apps through parental controls or use a browser with content filters.

• Advantage:
  Some protection is better than none, especially for kids.
• Disadvantage:
  Controls can be weak or easy to bypass. They need constant updating and staff attention. Also, when apps are locked down for safety, adult users may lose access to important tools. This limits flexibility and reduces inclusivity for diverse user groups.

3. Data Privacy Concern

Tablets often retain personal data like login credentials, browsing history, or files, exposing users to privacy risks.

How to fix:
Train staff to wipe data after each use or set reminders to reset devices.

• Advantage:
  Reduces the risk of data being left behind.
• Disadvantage:
  Manual resets are easy to forget. One missed step could cause a serious privacy breach. Plus, it’s time-consuming to manually log out of all apps — many tablets still keep data even after restarting.

4. Device Configuration Overload

Users might change settings, delete apps, or download things you don't want. Resetting tablets after every use becomes a huge job. Multiply that by dozens of sessions a week — it’s a real drain on your team’s time.

5. Hygiene

When lots of people touch the same tablet for public use, germs spread fast — especially in healthcare and schools.

Manual Fix:
Staff can regularly clean devices or use disposable screen covers.

• Advantage:
  Offers basic protection against germs.
• Disadvantage:
  It’s a lot of work for staff and hard to maintain long-term. It may still not meet hygiene standards in high-risk places.

So, What’s the Alternative?

All of these fixes can work — if you have the time, budget, and IT skills.
But most public spaces don’t.

That’s why shared tablet solutions for public use, like Hublet, were created.

They are built to solve these exact problems:

• Lock tablets automatically after loan time ends to ensure fair access.
• Lock tablets automatically if they leave a set Wi-Fi area to prevent theft.
• Wipe all user data automatically between sessions.
• Controlled access to digital content, Wi-Fi and tablet settings.
• Centralised management, remotely manage multiple tablets without IT headaches.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to expand, the goal is the same: Make digital access safe, secure, and easy for everyone.

Let’s make it easier, for your team and your community.