Rationale for food, drink, noise and mobile phones guidelines

The library is a shared facility so it is expected that all library users ensure their behaviour doesn't disturb others.

Food

People often spend long periods of time in the library or are at the library when food outlets are closed. We understand that it is not always practical to leave the library to eat. For this reason it's ok for library users to eat cold snacks in the library as long as it won't damage anything or disturb other users.

Users have let us know that some types of food are a problem and therefore they are not allowed in the library. Hot food e.g. pies, hot chips, toasted sandwiches, bowls of soup are not allowed because the smell disturbs others and the heat can damage surfaces. Messy food e.g. crumbly food or sandwiches that fall apart are not allowed because the mess attracts pests and is unpleasant for other users. Food in quiet study areas is not allowed because people want to study in the areas undisturbed by the noise or smell of food. Food near computers is not allowed because it gets in keyboards and causes cleaning problems. Food near special and reserve collections is not allowed because items in these collections are high use and/or more vulnerable to damage.

Drinks

It's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially when you are spending lots of time in an air-conditioned environment such as the library. For this reason bottled water and covered drinks (i.e. drinks with lids) are allowed throughout the library. Uncovered drinks are not allowed anywhere in the library because of the greater potential for spills. Drinks near computers are not allowed as spills can damage expensive equipment. Drinks near special and reserve collections are not allowed because items in these collections are high use and/or more vulnerable to damage.

Noise

The way people use libraries has changed a lot in recent years. Libraries, once exclusively silent, now support different modes of study. Library users have let us know that they want to be able to meet others for study and discussion as well as having the more traditional option of going somewhere quiet. To meet these needs we have created clearly signed quiet study areas where no noise is permitted.

Library users have also let us know that at some times, a quiet environment is more important that at others. For this reason, during the exam period and the two weeks prior, noise must be kept to a minimum throughout the library.

Mobile phones

We understand that sometimes you need to be contactable even when you are busy at the library. Library users have also let us know that they are disturbed by ringing and loud phone conversations. Thus we allow mobile phones in silent or vibrate modes throughout the library so the ringing doesn't disturb others. Low volume mobile phone conversations are allowed except in quiet study areas because the noise disturbs others.

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