Indulging my whimsical side…
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Memo on the wearing of hats (policy for implementation on April 1)
[this was a memo I cranked out some years ago when we were still a "college" rather than a university]
RE: Suggested revision to library student worker dress code
We have discussed the appearance of student workers as being representative of not only the library, but, for the many public patrons, also the entire College.
While I have resisted the idea of a strict dress code, I have noticed a tendency of both male and female students recently which I feel makes a significant negative impact upon our image.
I refer to the matter of caps, worn with the bill in front or in back. Setting aside the various discussions of whether or not males should wear headwear indoors, I feel that the wearing of caps is not a positive image for our student workers to project.
I would like to suggest that student workers who feel compelled by fashion, health problems, or other factors, to wear some form of headwear, should be encouraged if not required to select more appropriate and even, if I may use the term, elegant chapeaus.
I recommend that an approved list of headwear be provided to student workers, along with some sources for purchase. By doing this, I believe we will not only improve the image of the library and the College, but also exercise a subtle positive influence on the self-image and self-esteem of our student workers.
There are a number of hat styles which would be, I think, considered proper for use in our situation. Men and women both could look to traditional styles such as the fedora, the derby, the homberg, and even the ‘top’ hat. Muted colors could add to individual expression and perhaps even provide a somewhat ‘festive’ atmosphere in the library without undue excitement, although stripes ala’ “The Cat in the Hat” style of Dr. Seuss would probably be somewhat beyond the limits. Naturally, “jester” style hats must be banned due to the irresistable impluse to tie bells on the ends of the points, which would immediately become a violation of the noise minimization policies of the library.
While women traditionally have been allowed a much wider choice, some discretion should be exercised in the use of feathers and other extensions, which could be a distracting element during work, especially with the head bent over a computer screen, or in close quarters near the eyes of co-workers. In addition, women should be discouraged from extravagent displays such as those found at European courts in the 17th and 18th centuries (sculptures of sailing ships, battle scenes, large public buildings, and anything over 2 feet above the wearer’s head). By the same token, large naval officer hats with long front and rear projections as seen in various epic motion pictures would be impractical and a serious threat to co-workers. Veils could be optional, depending on the shyness of the student and the opacity of the veil when trying to see their work.
Due to the ‘country and western’ leanings of many students in our area, a reasonably well-cared-for Stetson could be accepted. A battered, sweat-stained cowboy hat, however, must be discouraged, whatever the outside work activities of the student worker may entail (and stains of any other kind, of course, being strictly forbidden no matter what they were riding!).
Straw would be appropriate in the spring, summer and early fall (much as the standards for wearing, say, white shoes). Propellors, antennae, solar-powered radio or fan equipment, may need to be negotiable. Regretably, being in Arkansas, razorback ‘hog hats’ would have to be permitted (which is, I admit, the singular flaw in this proposal).
I believe we can act quickly on this matter and have a workable policy in place by April 1.
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