Guides/Bringing items to the space

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One of the hackspace's greatest assets is its physical space. But with so many members it is quite a challenge to keep the space free of clutter. It is also requires a lot of effort to keep the space organized and tidy. If you are considering bringing any item to the space that you do not intend to keep in your personal storage then follow these handy check lists.

Temporary EX2 Update

The above statement about 'a challenge to keep free of clutter' is especially true while we are still setting up our new EX2 premises. We plan to re-instate members boxes soon, but they are temporarily suspended. Storage requests can be raised but please bear in mind we'll have to turn down anything of significant size or duration for the next little while.

Member Boxes

Members can apply to have a personal box which they can use for any items they like (small tools, projects, materials etc). More details on the page.

Please be aware that since we have a large number of members for a small space, there isn't enough room for all of them to have a storage box, let alone be able to store items outside of it. So if you're not using your member's box or don't think you'll use it for a while consider freeing it up so someone else can use it.

Big items

  • A big item is one that doesn't fit in your box.
  • You must be a member to store a big item.
  • To store a big item you must get permission first.

To get permission do the following:

  1. Go to [1]
  2. Fill in the form
  3. Wait: the Mailing List will receive your proposal.
    • If the request is due to start today, is short term and no one replies to the mailing list request after 1hr it will be automatically approved.
    • If no one replies on the mailing list after 2 days it will be automatically approved.
    • If your project is urgent and can't wait 2 for approval then it's best you raise your concern on the mailing list topic.
    • If someone does comment then once the thread has reached a consensus someone will approve your request and you go to the next step
    • If the consensus **rejects** your proposal then, sorry, but you can't bring the item in.
  4. Assuming your project's been approved you then need to print a 'DO NOT HACK' sticker or write the storage request details on a sheet of paper and attach it
  5. Work on your project!
  6. Remove your project before your time runs out!
  7. Mark your request as removed.

If you bring your project to the space without following these steps then your project will receive a Notice of Disposal sticker.

See also: Guides/Bringing_items_to_the_space/Poster, Guide/Tidying items from the space

Vehicle projects

Vehicle projects, where vehicles are left unattended overnight, are not appropriate as we do not have any parking.

Disposal of Incorrectly Stored Items

Any items that are:

  • Large items stored without a storage request or un-labelled
  • Member boxes abandoned after a member leaves the space
  • Donations or loans that aren't approved by the wider membership first

Are subject to disposal by LHS without any further warning.

The old system of disposal at Ujima house is detailed in this Guide. We are investigating whether a similar system could work at EX2, and will determine this in due course

Donations to the space

Before donating use the following points as a guide:

  • Is it on our wishlist? - if the item is not on our wishlist then check on IRC or the mailing list before bringing it into the space. If it is on the wishlist then bring it in - thank you!
  • Is it on our List of Unwanted Donations? - If the item is on this list, we already have so many of them that we don't need any more.
  • Will you be upset if it is thrown away? - If it would be difficult for the average hacker to comprehend the intrinstic hack-value of the item then it may end up in our 3 week disposal process. Large items that will not fit through the disposal process could get thrown out without warning. If this does not appeal then it might be better not to donate the item.
  • Does it meet any of the following criteria? - If it doesn't then we probably do not want or need it currently - but thanks for thinking of us!:
    • Item is a tool useful for the types of hacking that take place at the space.
    • Item is a common part/component that is not scrap.
    • Item is in working order and has a reasonable resale value.
    • Item can be easily stripped for high value parts.
  • Will the Hackspace accept the donation? - if you bring items to the space with the intention of donating them without first making sure that the organisation is willing to accept the donation (as decided by consensus on the mailing list) then the items are still in your ownership, and it is your personal responsibility to dispose of them once you're asked to do so. This is especially true for large items, or items that require unusual means of disposal (e.g. toxic materials.)

If you have a particularly rare or unusual old piece of computing hardware, we aren't interested. However, the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park may be interested.

Other option: Swap Shop

If the item isn't needed by the space but you still think it's of value and can't bear to throw it away, then you could try creating an entry on the swap shop and someone might get in touch to take it off your hands.

Loaning items to the space

See page: Equipment Long-Term Loans

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