Radcliffe SGA Discusses Enlargement of Library

Radcliffe SGA representatives yesterday turned a proposed discussion of the Field House into a debate on the expansion of library facilities. Ruth K. Porritt, librarian, and Dean Brown were also present.

"We are having to throw away one old book in order to put in a new one," Miss Porritt said in outlining the present situation. "Something must be done." Agreeing with Miss Porritt, Dean Brown stated that College officials are now working on a plan for library expansion and are interested in knowing what students themselves want.

Under consideration are proposals for enlarging present facilities in the Radcliffe Yard, and for building a new library near the Quadrangle. Radcliffe commuters favor the first proposal, but many dormitory residents would prefer a library closer to them than the present one. SGA representatives were divided almost equally between the two suggestions.

Subsidiary Libraries

A third possibility Miss Porritt stated is that of keeping the present library and in addition building one or two others near the Quad. These new libraries would be similar to those in the Harvard Houses, containing books for basic reference and for general reading.

Some SGA members, who objected that much course reading is done from books such a library would not provide, suggested that these libraries contain reserve books as well.

SGA members also suggested an immediate increase in study space. Agreeing that this was needed, Dean Brown disclosed that the College architect is investigating possibilities for creating more room in the dorms.

Returning discussion to the subject of the Field House, Miss Porritt said that it was too weak structurally to hold any number of books, and therefore was not being seriously considered as a library extension anyway. 'Cliffies agreed that it was useful for occasional organization meetings, but that it was ill-equipped for study.