Drexel Gilbert
The Corsair
Better plan on studying – not snacking – in Pensacola State College’s Edward M. Chadbourne Library following a new policy that limits the type of food and drinks allowed in the facility.
The new rules, established last summer, were necessary because many students were taking advantage of a more liberal approach in the past, said Winifred Bradley, library district department head.
“They were eating everything,” Bradley said. “Many students were abusing the privilege of having food in the library. Some would call the pizza place and have pizza delivered to them right to their desk or study room.”
“We had someone throw a birthday party in the lobby one day,” said Barbara Bedell, adjunct librarian.
During any given week, more than 1,500 students might pass through the library. Those numbers, coupled with the amount of fast food that was being consumed in the facility caused multiple problems, Bradley said. Problems included strong odors, the noisy rattling of fast-food sacks and containers, and an increased amount of trash.
Bedell said the staff understands that many students who patronize the library are not only hungry for knowledge, but also just plain hungry, but added that the desire to eat while studying must be balanced with the need to maintain a clean, comfortable environment for students, and protect the books and equipment.
“Sadly, not everyone is going to clean up after themselves,” said Bedell. “I had to take a paper towel one time and clean up grease off of a library table that someone had left behind.”
The new policy states: “Eating and drinking are discouraged in the library. However, certain food and drinks are permitted…under the following guidelines.” Those guidelines prohibit food or drink of any type in library classrooms or computer areas. Students may not have food delivered to the library, and group or party foods are not permitted.
Students who are in the lobby areas, at study tables or in meeting or study rooms are allowed to eat snacks purchased from the library vending machines. Drinks are allowed in those areas only, and must be in a spill-proof container.
Amanda Bowman is a first year Pensacola State student. She said the policy seems reasonable, “It would be distracting to have smelly food being eaten right next to you,” she said.
She wonders, however, whether the new policy also has hidden benefits for the library. “It kind of makes you wonder if they are trying to get the sales up from the vending machines,” she said.
Library staff members are diligent about enforcing the new food and drink policy, Bradley said, adding, “We patrol the areas, and frankly we are finding that students are much more cautious about the things they are carrying into the library.”
Students who violate the food and drink policy face consequences. At the first offense, students will be asked to take the unauthorized food or drink to a lobby, and a note will be placed in the student’s record. After three documented violations, the student will be referred to the Student Life director.
Spokespersons for the Pensacola State libraries on the Milton and Warrington campuses said they have few, if any problems, with food or drink violations. However, both facilities follow the policy set forth on the main campus.