Brandeis University now has a lactation room on the second floor of the Goldfarb Library. The lactation room, which was implemented just weeks ago, adds to the three pre-existing lactation rooms on campus in Gryzmish, Gerstenzang and Rabb Graduate Center.

The library union decided to install the lactation room when it noticed that there had been five new parents, three of whom needed a lactation space, within two years among staff members, according to Ann Kardos, metadata coordinator of the library. Additionally, the union decided to implement a lactation room in the library because it is a central place on campus and more convenient for women who need to use the room. The lactation room in Goldfarb is open during regular library hours, so it is open late for women who need the room at all hours of the day.

The preexisting lactation rooms have different procedures for obtaining access to them, while the lactation room in Goldfarb is open to the entire campus. It is accessible by signing out a key located at the Borrowing and Information desk with a Brandeis ID or reservations for the room can be booked on the Library Lactation Room Google calendar, Kardos said to The Brandeis Hoot.

In order to implement the lactation room, the library union reached out to the other lactation rooms on campus and visited the one in Gerstenzang, which was used as a model for the new lactation room. The library union wrote a proposal to the library administration stating features the room should include. “The room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave (for sterilization), two chairs, a small table and electrical outlets. Sinks are available in the adjacent lavatory,” said Kardos. Users must bring their own pump and only up to two women at a time may use the space.

Kardos stated that it is important that Brandeis now has four lactation rooms on campus because there are many places that do not provide these spaces for women. “It is a good place when it looks out for its female employees.”