Those in Slack may have noticed a lot of chatter around “totes” the last few days or so.
You may have also noticed a sudden influx of 40 totes at VHS. Here are two:
What’s it all about? To resolve the situation with the lockers, VHS is moving ahead with Member Bins:
VHS Member Bins
Storing some personal items at VHS is often not only practical but necessary for many members! We all would like to enjoy the convenience of having the odd project or part kicking around at the hackspace when you want to get back to it, rather than having to pack it in and out every visit. The spirit of this policy is to make member storage an equal opportunity for members in a scalable and manageable way.The bins offer many advantages, you own it, VHS just stores it; They are mobile - you can bring your stuff in one go right to your work space. They are compact but appropriate dimensions - their dimensions are more compatible with most of the things members tend to store. They are stackable, lockable and robust - we can stack these bins 5 high, they can take a ton of weight and abuse and you can slap a lock on them to keep your stuff secure. That said, it is easier to walk out of the space with a bin than it is a locker, but we feel that the advantages overall significantly outweigh this risk.
TL;DR;
You may store exactly 1 (one) ULine S-9745GR (Gray) Bin at VHS for your personal stuff (see section 1)
Must have your full name and/or email and/or member id and/or registered member alias (see section 12)
Decorate as you like so long as your name is visible (see section 14)
You can move other member bins around within the space (see section 5)
You own the bin, you can take it home whenever you like. (see section 1)
http://vanhack.ca/doku.php?id=memberbins
From the FAQ
[Q] What is happening to the lockers?
[A] Since we can’t feasibly provide them for everyone, and they take up a great deal of space, we are phasing them out. No new lockers will be issues. We’re asking folks with lockers to move out of them out in 30 days. When they are vacant, they will be retired and removed from VHS.
[Q] How is this better than the lockers?
[A] Lockers are a limited resource and not reasonable to make them available to every member. The physical dimension of the lockers are not well suited for many of the types of items VHS members typically store at VHS. The bins themselves are mobile, members can take them to their work areas or easily transport them to and from home. Less frequently accessed bins can be stored on higher shelves and many more bins can be stored in the same area the lockers take.
[Q] Do I have to buy a bin
[A] No, you do not have to buy a bin.
[Q] Why did you choose that bin? Can I bring in my own bin?
[A] If you own a ULINE S-9745 color Gray bin in serviceable condition you may use it! We chose this particular bin because the design is stable, both by physical standards but also the manufacture will not change dimensions or structure of this product line. We can be certain that when we buy more bins in the future for members or otherwise that we will always receive compatible bins. Additionally, the manufacture is a stable company expected to last and provide this product line for any reasonable expectation of the duration of this member bin program.
[Q] How do I purchase a bin?
[A] You can buy one of the bins brought to the space for $20. Contact @Andrew_Hendriks to sort that out. Otherwise, you can order them directly from ULine: ULINE - Shipping Boxes, Shipping Supplies, Packaging Materials, Packing Supplies
If you keep it in good condition, you can sell it back to VHS for $20 if you no longer need it.
[Q] Where do I keep my bin?
[A] Bins will have new racks built for them as volunteer scheduling allows. In the mean time, they should go into the Member Project storage area.
[Q] Did you steal these from Best Buy? They say “Best Buy” on them!
[A] No, they were bought surplus from a liquidation.
[Q] Will there be a monthly fee, like the lockers?
[A] None! The only payment is buying your bin. VHS stores it on location as part of the membership dues. See section 11 below.
[Q] What do I do if I see a bin bubbling with foul smelling liquid.
[A] Contact the BoD !
[Q] Can I move someone else’s bin if it’s in the way?
[A] Yes! The idea behind the bins is that they are expected to be movable/organizable. Obviously move bins respectfully and make sure they land in a place that is reasonably accessible! If you have items that can be knocked around a little, consider not storing them in your bin.
There is more detailed information at http://vanhack.ca/doku.php?id=memberbins
Thanks to @laftho for drafting the policy, and @SteveRoy, @TyIsI, and @Big_Mak for getting the totes to VHS.