In a display of customer-centric thinking, librarians are allowing food in their buildings and even introducing cafes, according to an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

As libraries change, they are catering more to their customers. Taking down the “No Food Allowed” signs and recognizing that patrons secretly snacked despite these prohibitions, librarians are attracting students yet again:

. . . students say the ground floor has been transformed from a lifeless area, filled with magazines and reference materials, into a comfortable hangout where students chat or check e-mail wirelessly on their laptops while sipping coffee and snacking. Those in search of a quieter atmosphere carry food upstairs to tables among the bookshelves and in study rooms.

As libraries continue their clever and necessary transitions into the future, at least students, faculty, and patrons of all types can take comfort that, at the very least, there will be some snacks!