Recently, the utilization of research equipment and the establishment
of an equipment exchange came up for discussion between staff
members in our office.   The fast paced growth of sponsored research
combined with subsidized startups and matching support from the
Office of the Vice President for Research has led to the acquisition
of large inventories of research equipment.  For various reasons some
of the equipment items may become underutilized over time.   It is
proposed that given the general need by others in the University for
equipment items, there may exist a potential for use of underutilized
(or non-active) equipment by other departments/colleges/units.
A suggestion from a staff member was for the Sponsored Programs office
to take on the responsibility to establish and coordinate an
equipment exchange program for the University's
colleges/departments/units to facilitate maximum utilization of
non-active or underutilized research equipment.

1).  Does  your institution have such an equipment
exchange program?  If so, how is it handled?

2)  If you have such a program, what are the criteria for
coordinating distribution of such equipment?   What is the commitment
of EFT for  administering the program?  How successful do you think
the program is relative to time spent administering?

Other advice or information on equipment exchange programs is
welcome.

Thanks in advance for your response.

Paula C. Tolbert
Acting Director
Division of Sponsored Programs
Office of the Vice President for Research
621 Boyd GSRC
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-7411
706/542-5939
FAX:  706/542-5946