(Feb 22/08) Food should not be permitted in Library.
Library response: For many years we banned eating in the all of the libraries on campus. Did this work? No - patrons simply snuck the food in, then hid the remaining garbage throughout the library. Library staff could not enforce the rule, so along with most university libraries in North America we stopped trying. We are in the process of reviewing our regulations for behaviour in the library including respect for others and responsible disposal of garbage. Once these are finalized they will be posted. Thank you for your concern and in the meantime if you have more specific suggestions please let us know. (Feb 22/08)
Answered by: Liz Bayley (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Answered by: Liz Bayley (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Follow-up Comments:
I dont think eating food in the library should necessarily be banned. If Ive been studying for hours and I want a snack (which research shows is very important when one is studying) it seems silly for me to have pack up all my stuff and leave just to eat (especially during peak hours when someone will likely take my spot while Im gone and Ill then have to spend another 30 minutes searching for another one). I think the best thing you can do is encourage people to use their own discretion when bringing food into the building (i.e. to throw out their garbage, avoid making lots of noise with wrappers, etc.) (2008-03-08)