FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Library Etiquette
- Why is it not permitted to bring food into the library?
- Which containers are acceptable if I want to bring drinks into the library?
- Which drinks may I bring into the library?
- Why may I bring no food into the library - I did not mean to eat it in the library?
- Why may library staff eat at the library and we may not??
- Why may I not use my mobile phone at the library, I'm expecting an important call?
Why is it not permitted to bring food into the library?
- Food may damage or spoil books, journals, furniture and carpets. It may leave crumbs and stains. We strive to keep the library clean even though it is used by many people every day.
- Experience has shown that a permissive food policy will lead to complaints by other users.
- Any users feel inconvenienced by other users eating in the library. Some books and rooms have been soiled beyond cleaning, and the additional costs for cleaning up are unacceptable.
15.03.2010
Which containers are acceptable if I want to bring drinks into the library?
- University Library of Dortmund Library Regulation §4 says: 'Food and drinks must not be taken into the library'. Because of the elevated temperature in the library especially during summer months, we tolerate drinks in certain containers to accommodate our users' basic health needs.
- Permitted are containers which prevent spilling. Please use mugs with a lid and a spout. Non-reusable paper cups/plastic cups with a lid are not permitted. Please seal your mug carefully when carrying it in the library.
- If you bring bottled drinks, please make sure the bottle can be resealed. Please do not bring glass bottles as they cannot be disposed of in the library.
- Please take your drink containers with you or put them in the dustbin.
15.03.2010
Which drinks may I bring into the library?
Please bring water only! Sweet drinks leave desks and baskets sticky, coffee and tea cause irremovable stains in books and on furniture, so please stick to water.
07.07.2008
Why may I bring no food into the library? - I did not mean to eat it in the library!
It does not matter whether you intend to eat food brought into the library or not - other users will see the food and will assume that eating in the library is permitted.
07.07.2008
Why may library staff eat at the library and we may not?
Library staff are asked not to eat in public areas of the library building. However, sometimes the tight schedule of members of the reference or lending services department leaves them no choice.
07.07.2008
Why may I not use my mobile phone at the library, I'm expecting an important call?
- Please no phone calls in the reading room areas! Please mute your mobile phone and be sonsiderate of other users.
04.04.2011
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