I've worked in a number of research libraries in Germany, and they almost always have some sort of café or cafeteria. In these libraries, it is possible to take a short lunch or coffee break inside the building and then get right back to work, a set-up that is very conducive to getting work done. The German library cafés I have experienced don't disturb the research atmosphere of the library and they serve their function without duplicating the Barnes and Noble atmosphere.

As far as preserving the books is concerned, I suspect having designated place to eat and drink inside the library could reduce the temptation to sneak things into the building and spill them on the books. The café areas can be clearly separated from reading rooms and stacks, and signs and lockers can be employed to remind people to leave library books outside and do all eating and drinking inside the café area.

-- Bruce H. Spencer, lecturer, department of German, University of Iowa (posted 11/12, 1:15 p.m., U.S. Eastern time)

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