really troubled... - (Sep/19/2007 )

My boss always asked me to borrow reagents from other lab where I know nobody. I am feeling so troubled by this . Actually, I never magaged to borrow anything from anyone and just constantly change or delay my plans. Recently, it happens more and more frequently. The problem has been really serious that I cannot go on to do anything if I don't borrow reagents from someone. It was sad , especially now that my research has got some luck and it will be great if I can go ahead.

I know I will have to borrow stuffs if I want to take science as my career. However, I just feel embrassed to say the first word. Could anyone please help me to choose the best words to say.
" Could I please borrow some ... from you?"
" Can I borrow a little bit of.... for a prelimintary study. We will buy our own if we get good results."
"Can I borrow some .....? If you need something from our lab, feel free to ask me."?



Thanks !!

The worst can happen to you is that you will get an answer " no". Then you can tell your boss: they dont have it. So what do you lose for saying so??

But practically, making friends, a lots of them can help you get around each and very day. Dont be shy and dont put upon yourself.

We all need some help from someone lese sometime, somewhere.

i'm not english as mother laguage, but i would rather use :
"may i borrow this for a prelimintary study. We don't have many funds so i aimed to test the product before purchasing it."

but be careful. all your phrases are correct (but i still recommend "may i") BUT borrowing products is not unlimited. I mean it should be an exchange so if you're always asking,,people gonna speak on your back and you may get some bad reputation because of your boss.

Often companies propose test kits, or small amounts for testing reactions.
i think it's also nice to ask them.
also in our institute, students who less care about all "boss things" are glad to lend some products. It never goes at high amount, but i borrowed some powders from other lab, and lend of mine if needed.

most, if not all, labs in a department or location have an informal lending policy. labs will borrow chemicals, supplies and equipment, as necessary.

without these agreements many labs would not be able to be as productive. with rapidly evolving technologies, keeping up to date and fully stocked is near impossible for a single lab.

don't hesitate (or be embarrassed) to ask another lab for anything, but be prepared to reciprocate.

by the way, hasn't anyone yet come to you (or your lab) to borrow anything? what did you say or do?

Please also refer to 'Free Stuff' forum. There are many things we can borrow from the companies.

From other labs who work near me, i generally say, "can i steal some...." and give a big grin.
the usual response is "yes".
From companies.... that's another story. from other labs, it's alright. people "borrow" from me all the time.

V

oh yes, borrowing is very common, especially when nobody has enough money!
You could also say: "I'm sorry, we've run out of ... could you lend me some of yours?" (not sure about grammar, english is not my mothertongue). Or, propose a swap!
Anyway, I agree, don't be shy!
And make sure you and "the lender" mean the same thing... once a guy came in our lab asking for a "coffee machine" ...he meant a filtering bottle... we've never called it coffee machine!

While I agree with what has been posted (ways of asking and the normal exchange in science)
Do check the price on what you are asking, if it´s to steep (5.000 units of an enzyme), have your boss ask for it to the lab director.
If you need 3 ul of a restriction enzyme, just ask politely and be happy to reciprocate.

Labs borrow from each other all the time. People generally understand that sometimes you run out of something and need it right away, or you want to try something out before buying, or whatever. Don't abuse the system, but don't be overly shy about it.

This is actually an excellent opportunity to make friends and start your own network of colleagues. Before you ask if you can borrow something, make sure you introduce yourself if you don't already know the people in that lab. Say "Hi, I'm Flakie from Dr. So-and-so's lab down the hall. May I borrow some of your...."

When you borrow a reagent, that's also a good time to talk to an experienced person about the protocols they use and get any advice you may need.

I don't think twice about a technician from another lab asking for something and I get asked ALL DAY for everything from reagents to surge protectors. It's nice to hear an "excuse me...", "May I...?", or "thank you." but not always the norm.

However, I take careful notice of anyone who wanders in to take without asking and I cut off their next entrance into my lab with a "Can I help you?" or if it's a repeat offender "The store room is on the left".

I think you seem very polite and the fact that you are not comfortable with drawing resourses from other labs speaks highly of your character.