Food & Drink Policy for Yale University Library
Guidelines for Library Staff
Effective Fall 2004

Enforcement is Everyone's Responsibility
All staff share the responsibility for enforcing this policy and are asked to be alert to the presence of drinks in unapproved containers and/or food being eaten in non-designated areas. The success of the Yale University Library's Food & Drink Policy depends upon the willingness of all library staff members to enforce it.

Yale Library readers observed consuming such food or drinks should be asked to move to an approved area. Library staff are not asked to police or to argue with readers, but rather to help raise awareness of the Food & Drink Policy and direct readers to areas where they may eat and drink freely. If a reader does not respond appropriately to such a request, a library guard or manager should be called. If the reader continues to ignore the request, the library guard or manager should then call Campus Police. Always remember to be respectful of our patrons.

Food & Drink
Food (this includes candy and snacks) may be consumed in staff designated areas or public designated areas, provided the food is kept away from library materials, including administrative papers, at all times.

Non-alcoholic drinks in acceptable, spill-resistant containers may be consumed in all staff areas, unless otherwise stated. Stricter restrictions regarding approved liquids may be in effect for staff working with particular materials or in selected areas. Staff are asked to check with their managers.

It is up to department heads, working within the guidelines for preservation of library materials, to establish designated areas where staff may eat and drink away from library materials.

All staff should be careful and protective of library materials and make sure that work areas are kept clean at all times. Staff should be encouraged to wash their hands prior to returning to work. Proper disposal of food and drink litter is essential.

Staff are asked to set the example for Library readers and should do their best to avoid the appearance of a double standard.

Library staff should be as discreet as possible when bringing in food and drinks to be consumed in designated areas. Food for meetings, receptions, teas, and luncheons should be delivered by the least public route. Staff are encouraged to take the least public route to their work areas. Consuming or openly transporting food in public areas is not permitted. Consuming or openly transporting drinks in unapproved containers is not permitted. Staff are asked to consume food from a tea, reception or luncheon at the event as they are not permitted to carry food from the event to another part of the library.