Hi Mark and everyone else,
I was wondering if you could tell us what the primary function of the
"loaner" program is? I understand that this is a convenience for members
of SJAA. Is it intended to then be focused on experienced people who
would like to "trade around" different types of new eyepieces, etc? Or
is it intended to bring inexperienced adults into the fold, so to
speak, with easy-to-use goto types of scopes ready for use? Is the
program for outreach to young people to get them interested, using
binoculars like Jay suggests?
It's difficult for a small group to offer everything to everyone, so in
a nutshell, who is the primary customer? From that clear goal
suggestions for equipment might be much easier.
Lynne.
Mark Wagner wrote:
>The SJAA is currently discussing its loaner telescope program. Many of you know the club offers
>its members access to a variety of telescopes, on something of a "library" model... it is one of
>the benefits of membership, aside from simply supporting a long time stalwart of amateur astronomy
>in the south bay area.
>
>I know there are many readers on this list out there who are backyard astronomers, armchair
>astronomers, etc... who never get to try out different types of gear. Perhaps some of you would
>join the SJAA ($20, tax deductible) to avail yourself of this program. As such, I'm curious what
>both new and experienced amateur astronomers think is a good mix of telescopes for a loaner
>program.
>
>I'm not so much interested in what SJAA board members think, with regard to this thread. I think
>it would be more instructive for them to just read the input. I am certainly curious.
>
>If you were to pick 12 to 15 telescopes, what types and sized would they be? Things that should
>be considered are:
>
>1. Will the telescope be in demand? This is important, especially in light of the next item. 2.
>Storage for non-loaned telescopes must be a consideration. The bigger, the more difficult.
>
>Keep in mind, this is a loaner program. Generally speaking, the SJAA's thought on this topic
>leans in the direction of the purposes being:
>
>1. To provide an entry point for new amateur astronomers.
>2. To provide loaners to members who want to:
> a. borrow a scope while theirs is being repaired (unavailble) b. try something different.
>
>There's room here for even the most lurky of lurkers to jump in. If the program is well matched
>with what people want to borrow, the club better serves the astronomical community.
>
>Fire away... please...
>
>Mark
>
>ps - all suggestions will be non-binding...
>
>
>
>
-- GSSP Telescope List (Updated 5/24/08): http://tinyurl.com/5ob2th TAC Stats Tracking: http://tinyurl.com/5w795e Mailing list preferences: http://seds.org/mailman/listinfo/sf-bay-tacReceived on Fri May 30 16:35:27 2008
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