Rationale

The mission of the Indiana University Bloomington Libraries is:  “To support and strengthen teaching, learning, and research by providing the collections, services, and environments that lead to intellectual discovery.”  Food and beverages can damage library materials and/or attract pests that can damage materials.  In our highly computerized environment, food and beverage can damage valuable electronic and media equipment.

Policy

The Libraries strive for uniformity in our policies.  There is some variation in our food and beverage policy due to the characteristics of the individual collections and facilities.

Herman B Wells Library

Food and covered beverages for individual consumption are permitted throughout the Herman B Wells Library. Food/beverage distribution is not permitted. There are some exceptions to this policy in designated areas, which are posted on site. We ask your cooperation in placing containers in trash cans after use to keep the libraries free of spills and residue that can attract pests.

IUB Branch Libraries

No food or beverages are allowed at the following library locations:

  • Lilly Library
  • Music Library & Archives of Traditional Music
  • University Archives

Food and covered beverages are allowed at the following library locations:

  • Business/SPEA Information Commons
  • Education Library
  • Sciences Library

The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Library allows covered beverages only.