We did so for a number of reasons, including: a) providing a better environment for study and research (based on the concept that a full belly is more conducive to good research/study time) b) allowing library staff to spend their time doing more useful things than telling students they "can't do that here..." c) bringing more students into the library (especially those that have not yet discovered it, as they are the ones we need to reach).

We also thought of all the problems in doing so (what good librarian/academic does not): a) it will attract vermin b) garbage will accumulate -- you get the idea...

However, as those who work in libraries will know, users eat and drink in the library anyway (they just try to hide it), so this kind of change does not make that much difference I would argue. Besides -- what do you think students do when they borrow material from the library and take it home? Not eat around it? I don't think so...

We also implemented changes to address some of the concerns with changing this policy, including: a) increased the number of garbage cans in the library b) increased the number of tours of the library by cleaning staff c) provided all staff with appropriate drink containers (practice what you preach).

Is it working? I think so -- based on informal analysis we have almost doubled the number of students who come in our Library in the last 2 years. While there have been other positive changes, I think the relaxed food and drink policy has been a big reason for the change.

The goal of an academic library should be to provide open and equitable access to all services and resources - allowing for basic human needs helps achieve this goal...

-- Mark Leggott, university librarian (posted 11/12, 12:40 p.m., U.S. Eastern time)

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