Food and Drink

[Patricia Palmer <pepalmer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Everyone.

Last summer I chaired the ever-popular Committee on Food and Drink and
implemented a new food and drink policy.  As so many libraries have, we
loosened up to allow drinks in approved containers. I insisted on not using
the "spill-proof" misnomer for these containers.  Food is still not
allowed.  The staff has been affected in that coffee pots and hot food
preparation is not allowed in offices any longer.  We did increase the size
and improve the look of the staff lounge as compensation. 

It was necessary to coordinate with other library denizens and
representatives served on the Committee. The library houses Engineering
Services (A-V equipment), Academic Computing offices with two student labs,
and Physical Plant.  The policy is for the building, not just the library.

Below is the text of our policy and recommendation at Virginia Commonwealth
University Libraries.
 
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INTRODUCTION

The buildings of University Library Services are intended for research and
study, to support the curriculum needs of the University, and to preserve
and protect the collections for future users.  The preparation and
consumption of food and drink must be restricted to protect the collections
from direct damage as well as damage from infestation and mold which can
result from exposure to food and drink. 

POLICY

Food is prohibited in all public areas of the libraries.  Drinks are
permitted in hard plastic, covered containers only.   Hard plastic, covered
containers are defined as thermo-mugs or sports bottles which have a pop-up
or other hard plastic lid to help prevent spills.  The following containers
are prohibited: paper and Styrofoam cups, glass bottles, juice boxes,
aluminum cans.

Food or drink of any kind are prohibited in the following areas of the
libraries:  special collections, computing services, instructional labs,
and on or at any computer, printer, microform reader or photocopier.

Patrons found in violation of this policy will be asked to remove the food
and drink from the building.  If the patron does not comply, the patron may
be asked to leave the building.  If the patron refuses to leave, the VCU
Police may be called to escort the patron from the building. Unattended
food and drink that is openly displayed  in public areas will be
confiscated and discarded.

The categories below cover special circumstances bearing on this policy. 

1.	ULS-Sponsored Activities

Organized groups using designated meeting rooms may have food catered upon
prior approval by the ULS Administration.  All catered food must be
transported into the building by way of the loading dock entrances and
staff elevators.  Special arrangements can be made with prior approval.
All catered food must remain within the confines of the approved room.  The
group requesting the catering is responsible for clean up and removal of
all remaining food, dishes, and trash.  Failure to comply may result in
revocation of food privileges.

2.	Staff Areas

Library employees are allowed to prepare and consume food and drink in the
staff lounge. Library employees are not allowed to prepare food and drink
in work areas.  Employees may consume drinks and cold food in work areas as
long as they are not visible to the public and not in contact with library
materials or equipment.  All crumbs, spills, and debris must be immediately
removed.   General principles  apply for discretion in transporting food by
keeping it covered and using the staff elevator.  


COMMITTEE ON FOOD AND DRINK ISSUES  
RECOMMENDATIONS
August 15, 1997

Procedures for Enforcement

1.	During the first six weeks of the academic campus school year, August
25-October 6, utilize VCU Police and/or their student assistants to stand
at the library entrance between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  At 5:30 p.m., the
usual evening guard will come on duty.  Responsibility of the guards will
be to inform those entering the library with food and drink of the new
policy by handing out information sheets and requiring those with
unapproved containers for drink to comply with the policy.  On the hour,
the guard should walk through the floors and inform those with food and
unapproved containers of the new policy and requiring their compliance.
After October 6, the VCU Police should incorporate enforcement of the
policy in their random walk-throughs of the building.  The evening guard
should walk through the floors on the hour from arrival through end of
shift.  

2.	Employees should carry VCU ID to identify themselves to the guard.

3.	Personal and departmental coffeemakers and microwaves should be prohibited.


Procedures for Training/Education

1.	Hold information sessions for employees to encourage observance, assist
with enforcement issues, and provide administrative support.  

2.	Provide informational handouts for students on the rationale for the
policy.

3.	Assess need for further informational training after the first six months.


Procedures for Publicity  
                
1.	Faculty, staff and student workers should learn of the approved policy
via library-wide e-mail, Staff Association meetings, Faculty Organization
meetings, departmental meetings, orientation, and other appropriate means
of communication.  Concepts such as discretion in transporting food,
appropriate containers for drinks, and supervisory guidelines should be
discussed.

2.	A large sign outlining the library's restrictions on food and drink
should be posted in the foyer all year round.  A trash can should be placed
under or beside the sign to encourage patrons to discard food or drink.
Temporary signs should be posted at the 1st floor elevators, and off the
public elevators at floors 2, 3, and 4. 

3.	A press release should be issued and distributed to campus publications
and to SIT-TV.

4.	The policy should be stated in all patron orientation sessions and in
bibliographic instruction sessions.

5.	Assess the need for additional or new publicity on periodic basis.


Procedures for Policy Evaluation

The Task Force on Food and Drink Issues should meet no later than October
17th to review the policy and these recommendations.  They should meet on
an ad hoc basis to review the policy, consider further recommendations, and
convey employee input.



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Patricia Palmer			phone: 804.828.2287
Head, Preservation Services		fax:   804.828.1051
Virginia Commonwealth University
Box 842033				email: pepalmer@xxxxxxx
Richmond, VA  23284-2033
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