Hosting Tools
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Some tools in the Asmbly shop aren't actually owned by Asmbly. When somebody loans a tool to Asmbly for members to use, we call it a "hosted" tool.
The Hosting Process
If you have a tool you think would benefit Asmbly but you'd prefer to retain ownership, start by reaching out to the area steward(s) where the tool would best fit, either privately or on Discourse.
If the steward(s) are interested in bringing the tool into the shop, the Director of Facilities will send the owner a Hosting Agreement to sign. The Director of Facilities has final authority over hosting terms.
Once the hosting agreement is signed by all parties, the tool may be brought to Asmbly. Next steps may include maintenance plan development with stewards, curriculum development, or member training.
What Can Be Hosted
Typically, Asmbly is interested in hosting "enrichment" tools -- things that would be of benefit to Asmbly membership but not crippling to the shop if they disappeared. If the need arises to host a more important tool, a hosting agreement may specify a duration of hosting (eg to provide time for Asmbly to purchase a replacement) and/or an option to purchase (ie Asmbly may provide cash in lieu of returning the tool upon termination of the hosting agreement). Due to the administrative overhead of tool hosting, we generally won't bother hosting anything we could purchase out of petty cash if there was member interest.
In particular, if you have a tool on our [Wish List] we'd definitely like to hear from you!
Asmbly's Responsibility
For all hosted tools, Asmbly agrees to provide insurance against loss or damage. In most cases, Asmbly also covers the expense of all routine maintenance. In this way, a hosting agreement is much like a lease -- the owner of a hosted tool is assured the return of their tool in good working order on termination of the hosting agreement.
Owner's Responsibility
For any tool requiring training (which would include most any interesting tool) the tool owner typically agrees to provide an initial training curriculum (ie class outline, syllabus, etc) and/or teach classes in proper use of the tool unless the tool will be covered in an existing class. Details would need to be worked out with the Director of Education.
The owner also must provide routine maintenance protocols and any relevant use or service documentation if Asmbly will be performing maintenance.
The Hosting Agreement
TODO - explanation / overview of sections
