Booking guidelines:
Since we are many users often conducting complex experiments that require connecting multiple instruments, it is important to plan ahead, communicate effectively, and respect each other's booked time and equipment. Keep also in mind that it is preferable to avoid competing for instruments, remain somewhat flexible, and aim for the best solution so everyone can conduct their experiments without unnecessary stress.
Here are a few rules:
Always assess which microscope is the most suitable for your experiment, before booking.
For each microscope, the booking interval should match the duration of your most recent booking (per person/project). For example, you book the Leica confocal SP8 for three days, then you must leave at least three days before starting a new booking slot. An exception applies during paper revisions and during the usual holiday in July. If you run a long experiment but realize that you want to run more imaging when it finishes but no one has booked after you. Ask the other users if you can anticipate your next turn and start earlier.
If you book a microscope for more than one week, inform other users at least three weeks in advance, specifying the approximate time slot.
Only book the microscopes for conducting experiments (or analysing data on the computer). If you want to leave your instrument setup next to a microscope between two experiment slots, book the instrument table in LIMS but keep the microscope available for other users.