Hello all,
Here's a summary of responses I've received.
Most sites are using software to manage the sign-up process and in many to
enforce their policies also. There are a number of different software used
with the most novel (IMHO) being a MSN group. FACES software was popular
for non-local software (not residing at the site) and several had
"handmade" software that resided on-site like Rudi Nunlist's ResLog- now
LinRL for linux folks.
Restriction to 15 or 20 minute time slots is usually from 8 or 9 to 5 or 6
though a significant number only restrict short term use to the afternoon
hours (1-6). One hour slots are favored during non-peak hours.
Many sites restrict the total time a single user can use an instrument to
about an hour per day (during peak hours). Time is generally unrestricted
during non-peak hours.
Sign-up is allowed 24 hours in advance or for the following day at most
sites with the caveat that long range planned experiments can be made with
approval from the manager/staff. Users can sign-up Friday for NMR time on
Monday.
For sites with more than one NMR system, the rules are usually different as
each serves a different purpose- e.g. one for "routine" or "walk-up" use
while the other for routinely longer experiments like 13C while another for
2D or protein or advanced experiments (on higher field magnets).
Well, these are the basic rules that were employed at various sites-
academic and industry (no government sites responded) and international.
Several folks made a point that such rules are best made with input from
the users (both faculty and student for example) to get optimal usage with
minimal complaining/conflict. Your results will vary!
You're welcome to contact me if you want specifics or have any questions. I
certainly hope this helps some of you as much as this has helped me! :-{)
Paul
Paul Shin, Ph.D.
Manager of Scientific Instrumentation
Department of Chemistry SC4312
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, California 91330
818-677-6887 Office
818-677-4068 Fax
Received on Wed Jun 09 2004 - 15:16:50 MST