Guides/Bringing items to the space

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 for short term then follow these handy check lists.

Storing items for your use

Our space is widely shared with many non members who have access. We therefore discorage storage in our space, though some space is available, it will quickly be consumed if everyone wants to store stuff. Ideally things should not be stored longer than a month and labelled with a Do Not Hack label with the start and end date with your membership details so we can check they have been abandoned.

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

Do not bring a large item into the hackspace without checking on discord

Donations to the space

• Is it on our wishlist? - if the item is not on our wishlist then check on Discord 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 Discord) 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.