Libraries Policy on food and beverage

Notes from the recent RIS meeting discuss an update to the policy and acknowledge the variety of realities that exist in the Libraries: The Signage Committee thinks the signage regarding food and beverages is not very effective in keeping food out of the library. The policy and signage based on the policy don’t reflect the reality that staff members see in the Libraries every day. They suggest either changing the signs or – better - changing the policy. Discussion followed. Some points that were raised include:

• OUGL removed their food and beverage signage about a year ago. Foster, too.
• Suzzallo-Allen public services adopted a much more tolerant stance towards food at the same time.
• Everyone recognized the importance of preserving our materials but thought that it was also important to adjust our policies to recognize and reflect changes in user behaviors.
• The Code of Conduct could be modified to not explicitly exclude food, but cover disruptive food behaviors in the more general prohibitions. For example, by mentioning food in the strong odors statement.
• Cell phone use is ubiquitous on campus and the rest of the world and is only disruptive when the noise of ringing or conversations bother other people. Cell phones could be folded into more general noise prohibitions, too.
• A positive way to approach this would be to encourage users to not leave food wrappers and other detritus behind (“leave no trace”). Some library units have posted signs asking cell phone users to turn their ringers off while in the library.
• It would help to have more trash cans in the libraries.
• We don’t need a one size fits all policy. Units with special concerns should be able to continue to prohibit food.

The group discussed how to proceed. Paul will take this under advisement and get back to the group.