Poweruser system

GI poweruser system for the light microscopes

Purpose of the poweruser system

The poweruser system purpose to provide access to microscope training even if the GI microscopy expert is unavailable. It provide structure so that is clear who is responsible for what.

Setup of the poweruser system

For each microscope, one or more powerusers are assigned. They are experienced and competent in using that microscope.

• The poweruser can train new users on how to use the microscope.
• The poweruser subsequently contacts the GI to notify that a new user has been trained. The GI then provides access to the microscope.

In general, the GI trains new users.

• The poweruser can train new users in case that the GI light microscopy specialist is absent
• In departments where light microscopy is routinely employed, if so desired, powerusers can train their new students in these routine techniques (after notifying the GI)

Who becomes a poweruser is decided in agreement with the new poweruser, their department, and the GI.

• Ideally, we aim for at least 1 poweruser per institute (Donders, IMM, PAB, etc) for each microscope.
• If a research group routinely uses a microscope, then ideally they also provide a poweruser.
• Multiple powerusers per system is desirable.

Per institute a poweruser-contact person is assigned: ideally someone with a permanent contract, who knows the department well and who can recommend new powerusers.

The GI department provides:

• A user manual for each microscope system
• For each microscope system, a document on which advanced functions are available on the system. This so that everybody knows what capabilities are available, and which topics they can request additional training in.
• An introduction training checklist for the poweruser
• A handout with GI-information, for the new microscope user.
• A short introduction/training for the new poweruser, so that they know what to do and who to contact in case of questions.
• An up-to-date list of current powerusers

The GI department remails responsible for microscope maintenance and for the GI-specific ML-1/GGO/biosafety trainings and administration.

Powerusers in practice

• Poweruser trains new user
• Poweruser contacts the GI and tells us:
  • The name of the new user
  • Which microscope they are trained in
• GI provides access to the microscope
  • Bookings rights
  • Maillist membership
  • User account on microscope computer
• GI send welcome-email to the new user, including contact information etc.
• For microscopes in the ML-1 room, the GI gives a ML-1 room introduction to new user.

Possible pitfalls

• Powerusers should limit themselves only training microscope procedures that they themselves are experienced in. If the user wants to learn something outside the powerusers’ base of experience, they should be referred to the GI
• It should really clear who is responsible for what. For example:
  • The GI should have an up-to-date list of powerusers and their corresponding microscopes.
  • The powerusers should notify the GI for any microscope problems, or other issues.