Food and Drink

Food and drink are not allowed in the libraries. Refer to Administrative Memo #11 , Code of Conduct Policy for Library Users, for a complete description of the policy. 

THE ONLY EXCEPTION: Closed clear containers of water are permitted in study areas only and are not permitted in Nonprint Media Services, special collections or near equipment of any kind.

*Patron is walking into the library with food or drink:

1. Staff member stops patron as he/she is entering the library and asks patron to take the item out of the building. For example, the staff member might say, "Excuse me, the library does not allow food in the library. You will need to take it out of the building to finish eating (or drinking). Thank you." Or the staff member might say, “Excuse me, in order to protect our collections, we cannot permit food and drink in the library. Thank you.”
   
   If the incident is in McKeldin, the patron can also be directed to the eat-in study lounge.
   
   
2. If patron asks if he/she can put food or drink item in his/her book bag, patron should be told only if item can be completely concealed, securely closed and not displayed or consumed in the library.
3. If patron refuses to comply and continues walking into the building, tell the patron that your next step is to contact the UMPD. At this point, if the patron still continues into the building, make a note of the patron's description. Contact the UMPD at 5-3555. Give dispatcher description of patron and request that police be dispatched to the library.
4. Record incident in the Log Book.

*Patron is in the library on one of the floors:

1. If a staff member sees a patron with food or drink in the library, ask the patron to put it away,dispose of it or leave the building. Tell patron that the library policy is that food and drinks are not allowed in the library. If patron opts to put it away, say that, if they’re found with it out again, they’ll be asked to dispose of it or leave the building.(In McKeldin, the patron can also be directed to the eat-in study lounge, with the proviso that the food or drink is concealed until the person is in the lounge.)
2. If patron refuses, tell patron that the police will be notified. Make note of patron's description and location in the library. Contact the UMPD at 5-3555. Give dispatcher name, description and location of patron and request that police be dispatched to the library.
3. Record incident in the Log Book.

In each of these situations when the UMPD is asked to come to the library, meet the UMPD at an agreed upon location to direct them to the problem situation.

SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR McKELDIN LATE-NIGHT STUDY STAFF:

For security reasons, a UMCP ID card is required to enter the building after hours. However, a person already in the library can stay as long as they comply with library policies. If a person is disruptive or violating the Libraries food and drink policy, the procedures above should be followed.

Link to Administrative Memo # 11

return to top