Widener Officials 'More Receptive,' But Midnight Closing Still Unlikely

Although acceptance of an HCUA proposal to extend Widener Library hours is impossible due to security, staff, and financial problems, officials of the library indicated yesterday that they are willing to consider other requests for improvements in the system.

Previous inattention to undergraduate suggestions had been condemned by the Harvard Council for Undergraduate Affairs earlier this week. Yesterday, when two top officials of the library met with R. Thomas Seymour '64, president of the Council, they seemed to be responding to an HCUA suggestion that the staff reconsider the proposals "as soon as possible."

The major proposal, that of extending Widener's hours to midnight, will not be possible for some time, Douglas W. Bryant, Associate Director of the College Library, stated. "As it is, very few qualified personnel are willing to work until 10 p.m.," he explained.

It would be difficult to find even a temporary experimental staff, let alone the minimum of $30,000 that would be necessary for permanent extension of hours, Bryant said.

Technical proposals concerning lighting and air circulation, particularly in Lamont, are being looked into, Seymour was told. In both libraries, cleaning has been increased 300 per cent.

The impossibility of finding two Sunday shifts for Lamont, however, will prevent officials from opening the library at 10 a.m. "The money incentive isn't enough for weekends and late evening," Bryant explained.

The official noted that the staff had considered the HCUA condemnation "highly intemperate," but was willing to "look forward, not back upon the unpleasant," in considering the students' suggestions.