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Why There's No Eating and Drinking in the Library


Food and beverages damage research

materials in the following ways.......

By attracting vermin

Food spills, crumbs, or garbage attract rats, mice, cockroaches, and silverfish. These pests literally chew up books, and their feces can pose a very significant health hazard to library users and staff. Without food and drink, pests will not survive. Controling pests in this way is part of "integrated pest management," the most effective and least toxic method of pest control. For more information, see the UM Libraries resource guide for integrated pest management.

By causing irreparable damage

Spills cause uneradicable stains on books as well as on expensive rugs and furniture. Greasy fingerprints also ruin paper, causing translucent stains and, along with other sources of moisture, creating a breeding ground for molds. Mold can have permanent, sometimes life-threatening, effects on the health of anyone handling the books. Cleanup is costly; damage may not be reversable.

You can help preserve library materials! Do your eating and drinking outside of the library.

Help us spend our time and resources on speeding new library materials to you, instead of cleaning up damage from food and beverages in the library.

See our bookmark and table tent, related promotional materials

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Last modified: January 12, 2009

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