Oct. 15, 2007

Dear EML users:

Due to a wave of signups on our TEM schedule, we are going to have to change the way signups are authorized. What seems to be happening is that a few people are signing up for the maximum time (4 hours) each week for many weeks ahead. We know that this time will probably be used, but by signing up for so much time so far ahead, it prevents many of our users from getting on the microscope. Not everyone can plan their experiments so far in advance. As a result, here are the new rules for TEM signup:

1. The maximum sign-up time for one week is still 4 hours, but if you sign up the next week, you can only sign up for 2 hours, and so on for all consecutive weeks. If you skip a week, then you can start again with 4 hours. If you need more time in the week, then after hours time or early bird time is available for qualified users.

2. Sign up will only be available for one month ahead.

3. You will be charged for all the time you sign up for, regardless if you use it all during your session. Too many people are signing up for 2-3 hours and only signing out for half an hour¡¯s use. If you need just a few minutes (5-10) to check the quality of your samples, then we may be able to set aside some time in the week for this purpose.

4. Sign-up for cancelled time. We can start a sign-up list for time that becomes available at short notice. Currently, people need to give 24 hours notice if they are not going to use their scheduled time. We can then call people on the ¡°cancellation list¡± to see if they would like to take that time. If the top person on the list can¡¯t take it we will go to the next, and so on. The person who takes the time will then move to the bottom of the list for future calls.

We¡¯re sorry to have to do this, but the current method allows too few people to monopolize the microscope. We are also not having enough time to train new users. We¡¯ll see how this method works, and if it creates too many problems, then we may eliminate the web sign up entirely and you will have to come into the lab and see us about signing up for time.