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.

Storing items for your use

Store whatever you like in your personal box. Note that since we have over 500 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.

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. You can do this either at home or for free via the kiosk located outside the classroom on the ground floor of the hackspace.
  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 a private yard.

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

  • 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.
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