The Harper College Library Food Policy is designed to maintain a clean and inviting
environment for all users and to encourage personal responsibility and respect for
library materials, furnishings, space, equipment, and technology. To promote a welcoming
environment, the policy is designed to protect the substantial investment that has
been made on library resources and space.
Rationale
Food and beverages can damage library resources, equipment, technology, and furnishings.
Food and beverage residue attracts insects and rodents.
Food and beverage sounds and odors may be distracting to other library visitors.
Students and other visitors may need to consume a beverage while studying, conducting
research, or working on an assignment in the Library.
Policy Goals
The Food Policy is created with the following goals in mind:
- To create a welcoming, study-friendly, productive environment;
- To support an environment of mutual respect;
- To respect Library employees and Harper College staff;
- To maintain the beauty, condition, and safety of our resources and renovated building;
- To insure monies can be used to purchase new resources, equipment, and technology
instead of being used to replace items damaged by food and beverage;
- To adhere to campus recycling standards;
- To protect the library collections and facilities from pests and molds;
- To help maintain a clean and safe work environment for all.
Guidelines
In order to conserve library resources, maintain the condition of the library space,
and be considerate of library users and employees, we ask that you be aware of the
following guidelines:
Beverages must be in covered, sturdy containers.
Food and snacks are not allowed in the Library and should be eaten in food-friendly
areas on campus.
Covered beverages are permitted in the instruction classrooms and study rooms.
The following areas in the Library must be free of food and beverage at all times.
These areas include: the makerspace, archives, microfilm room, book stacks.
Unattended food/beverages are subject to being disposed of by library staff.
Food deliveries are not permitted.
Users are liable for any damage caused by their food or beverage.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere in the library
The Library reserves the right to ask any visitor to remove their food/beverage from
the library if it is deemed in violation of the Food Policy
Please clean up spills right away to avoid damage and let a library employee know
if a spill requires specialized attention.
Please be sure to put food trash and recyclables in proper waste containers.
Leave no trace. It is an individual’s responsibility to clean up after themselves.
The areas should be left in the same or better condition in which it was found. Please
refrain from wiping crumbs onto the floor as this can attract ants.
Please plan ahead and eat your meals before you visit the library.
Respect Yourself – Respect Others – Respect the Library