In response to student demands for convenient snacks while studying in the library, the Faculty Student Association is considering possible solutions to make late-night library cramming more fulfilling.
The proposal is in the preliminary planning stages, and officials said the solution could be as simple as bringing vending machines to library study areas, or as involved as constructing a library caf?(c).
Along with possible renovations of the Richmond Quad dining hall and adding new vending machines across campus, FSA officials said they see the library project as a significant opportunity to extend food service to students on the go, as well as those with their noses buried in a book.
"FSA is always looking for new ways to serve students, and the university libraries are in need of accessible food vending," said Mitchell Green, executive director of the FSA.
At Wednesday's Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting, faculty voiced mixed opinions. FSEC chair Peter Nickerson said he was interested in the possibilities emerging in university libraries.
"Traditionally, food consumption wasn't encouraged at university libraries, but recently, all around the country, this has changed," Nickerson said. "The opportunity for library food services could potentially help students and should be investigated."
While many faculty members said offering food would aid students while they study late, others said the extra options would overcrowd the libraries.
William Baumer, a philosophy professor, said he is worried that bringing food facilities to the libraries could create an unfavorable distraction. He also said officials should keep in mind that libraries are primarily for studying, not hanging out.
"The university libraries are looking more and more like the social atmosphere at a Barnes & Nobles," he said.
Some students said the benefits of accessible food in the library outweigh the possibility of more distractions. With food in close proximity to study areas, a student would not have to take time away from studying in order to search for something to eat.
"I normally study in the library 10 hours a week, and offering food would be a good idea for anybody with Dining Dollars," said Andrew Burke, a junior biological science and pre-dental major.
In addition to the library proposal, officials discussed the expansion of FSA summer operations in order to accommodate the many students and faculty members that teach and research year-round.
"During the summer there is no food service of the west side of North Campus, which leaves those working in labs without a convenient food option," said Samuel Schack, chair of the mathematics department. "This is a pressing issue that should be addressed in the near future."
A plan to keep Mrs. Rich's Corner open during the summer was proposed to address the problem. Mrs. Rich's Corner is located in the Natural Science Complex, which is in close proximity to a number of students and faculty involved in summer research.
Officials said profitability would be a concern for opening a summer facility like Mrs. Rich's. Some faculty members said they believe FSA should provide this food service in the summer, regardless of revenue.
"We can definitely take a look at the possibility of Mrs. Rich's, and a trial program is not out of the question," Green said. "FSA looks to make a profit, but we are definitely concerned with the needs of our customers."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
