[PADG:619] Re: Cafes in Libraries

[Roberta Pilette <roberta.pilette@xxxxxxxx>]

HI,
  I will freely admit that it was a major housekeeping concern that 
brought about our new food policy.  We did not have the resources to 
increase the cleaning crew and the number of trash removals per day.  We 
were having major problems with food and drink spills on furniture and 
carpets.  With the new policy we have seen a significant decline in such 
things and for the most part have had cooperation among the faculty and 
students.  It's not banned, but controlled is how we present it.  Also, 
Wes, you are free to enjoy your tall cup of french roast in a spill 
resistant mug any time and any place [except the special collections 
reading rooms].

  As someone in this discussion said--it's really a local decision on how 
it's handled and what the resources are.

Happy Friday to all.
  Bobbie Pilette

At 03:35 PM 8/12/2005, you wrote:
> Folks,
> Picking up on the direction set by Jeanne and Wes, I'd add that in the two
> libraries for which I've overseen condition surveys, food shows up only as
> a small problem. We all recognize it's unclear whether the damage occurs in
> the library or at home, and whether for in-house damage, responsibility
> lies with staff eating/drinking at their desks, or patrons. Until I have
> further proof that it's more than a housekeeping problem, I have been
> unwilling to make it an issue here, despite the urging of some staff.
> Regards,
> Winston
>
> _______________________________
>
> Winston Atkins
> Preservation Department
> Duke University Libraries
> Campus Box 90189
> Durham, NC 27708-0189
>
> winston.atkins@xxxxxxxx
> Ph: 919-660-5843     Fax 919-684-2855
> _______________________________