Checklist for introducing new users to the Imaging@Biotec facility

User handling (administrative)

registration

• internal user may be registered by an administrator of the Booking System :REGISTER
• external users (outside BIOTEC) have to sign the terms of usage and a "Kostenübernahmeerklärung" (both forms can be e-mailed)
• sign up at the "important information for new LMF-users" sheet (storage office)
• The systems can be booked online through the BOOKING SYSTEM
• For booking prices of the systems please ask the imaging team
• during registration point out main contact details: imaging(at)biotec.tu-dresden.de or phone 463-40230 and explain:

Booking Rules And Responsibilities

• Delete and Cancel: the biotec-24h rule.
• The biotec-SIFFY procedure: how to offer and take a free slot.
• At the end of each session, check booking database: last user / not the last user --> what are the responsibilities?
• Consequences for failing to switch off a system: extended booking
• AND: "END OF SESSION" means: data saved, sample removed, objectives cleaned, software closed ... system is free for the next user!!!

mailing lists

A mailing list has been created to inform the registered users of the situation and events of the Microscopy Techpool :

• all users ALL

User handling (on the system)

First Introduction

Usually WITHOUT own sample!!!

Estimated time: system dependent, but usually around 2hours

• Introduction to hardware: how to switch on/off.
• Introduction to software: how to properly acquire an image and z-stack (maybe time series if necessary,it might sometimes not be possible to cover all of that in the 1st intro).
• Data handling: explain about original file formats and metadata; advantages/disadvantages of storing data on either hard drive or fileserver
• Data safety: Point out that the Imaging facility holds no responsibility for data whatsoever!

Important: in order to keep the disk free for imaging - data stored on hard drives will be deleted on an irregular basis.

• Safety regulations: laser safety, S1 safety, correct use of wastebins.
• How to clean objectives.

Follow Up Introduction

With own sample!!!

Estimated time: strongly project dependent, but 1-2 hours are usually a good estimate

• Recap contents of first intro
• Introduce user to things that couldn't be covered in the first session
• Help user to set up the system for their own imaging experiment.
• Stay with user until he/she feels save to use the system independently.
• Invite user to contact the imaging team about questions / problems / changes in their imaging projects at any time.