Requesting and Exchanging equipment is how people share Chicago Sonic Commons resources. Together, these processes connect people with equipment, and connect people with people.
The primary tools used to Request and Exchange equipment are the Inventory, Request Forms, Exchange Forms, and your email.
In short, the process goes like this:
1. you request to use a piece of equipment
2. you are put in contact with the person who is currently using that equipment
3. you meet with that person to exchange the equipment
Please use the step-by-step instructions below to get started.
Requesting
Look through the Inventory and find the piece of equipment you would like to use. The Request and Exchange process always starts with the Inventory. It is a spreadsheet which catalogs all of the equipment in Chicago Sonic Commons. Each piece of equipment has a row in the Inventory with links to info and forms specific to that equipment.
Click on the Request Form link for the equipment you would like to use. Each piece of equipment has its own Request Form. Once you have found the row for the equipment you would like to use in the Inventory, click on its Request Form.
Fill out and submit the Request Form. The Request Form asks a series of questions such as contact info and how long you would like to use the equipment.
Check your email! Once your request has been received, you will receive a confirmation email.
Keep checking your email! Once your request is processed, you will be sent an email connecting you with the person who is currently using the equipment you requested. From here, the Exchange process begins.
Exchanging
Set up an exchange time and location with the current user. Once you are connected via email with the current user of the equipment you requested, the two of you coordinate a time and place that works for both of you to exchange the equipment.
Meet the current user and receive requested equipment.
IMPORTANT: Fill out the Exchange Form for the equipment you received. Submitting an exchange form is the most important part of the exchange process. The Exchange form confirms you have received the equipment and helps us keep track of where Chicago Sonic Commons equipment is and who is using it.