Food and drink in the library

In regard to recent comments (Cons DistList 8.65) on whether to allow
food and drinks in the library, an obvious drawback which wasn't
mentioned much this time around is the fact that grease and other
substances are easily transferred from the eater's fingers onto the
pages of books.  (The notion of pizza in the library, which I've seen
before, is particularly cringe-producing.)  Because this sort of damage
isn't obvious once the book has been shut, naturally it would not be
noted right away and so would not figure in discussions of perceived
damage.  Still, it should be considered, because I think this sort of
thing happens a lot--unless somehow these snacks that people are
eating in libraries are a special kind???  Also, I've knocked cups with
lids over before and had some liquid run out of them--the lids still
have holes in them, as do the tops of cans.  Experience has taught me to
be cautious about food and drink around books.  Our users and patrons
aren't always so careful.

Charlotte Tancin
Hunt Institute
CMU

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 8:66
                 Distributed: Monday, February 20, 1995
                        Message Id: cdl-8-66-002
                                  ***