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.

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!
  • 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

  • Items for loan follow the same process as donated items. It is definitely a good idea to label the item: 'On loan - <your name>' so that you can be consulted should questions arise regarding its storage and use, and so that people won't start hacking them for their projects.

Storing items for your use

Store whatever you like in your personal box. Also note that we have over 700 members, 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 as per Rules 7 and 8:

  • Only members may store items at the Hackspace. If you're not a member, your stuff may be removed, destroyed, or hacked at a moment's notice.
  • You MUST email the mailing list for permission for ANY item or project not fitting in your box before building it or bringing it into the space.

For items that you want to store outside of your personal box use the following points as a guide before bringing it to the space:

  • Check it's okay before bringing the item into the space; use the mailing list.
  • Label the item with a "Do Not Hack" sticker, you can find them in the office area on the ground floor. Your full name, email, and the extected removal date are REQUIRED. Failing to complete the "Do Not Hack" sticker correctly means your item may be removed from the space.
  • Will the item be actively worked on? - If you do not intend to use or work on the item in the immediate future then keep it at home until you can. If you're not going to be using it for a while then take it home/don't bring it until you can.
  • Store items responsibly - Find an appropriate home in the space for your item and keep it there when not in use.

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

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