Bonwich says DRA saw through a similar technology change for the University of Illinois library system "overnight."

But the same might not be true of physical renovations of Widener Library, slated to begin this year. The refurbishment--which will be funded at least in part by last year's $17 million donation by Katherine B. Loker--will bring air conditioning and improved fire protection to the 80 year-old building.

While there are no plans for the library to close, Knowles says no decision has been made yet as to how to implement the disruptive changes.

One tentative plan would call for moving approximately 150,000 books--two and a half shelving miles--every few weeks to allow for an area by area renovation.

WHAT'S NEXT

Issues the Faculty plans to address this year:

* Changing HOLLIS to a web-based system

* Renovating Widener Library

* Further decreasing average section size

* Building new computer science and chemistry buildings

Source: The Harvard Crimson

In Students' Hands?

Though the Faculty has the ultimate say in policy matters, all undergraduates have the power to instigate change, says Benjamin A. Rahn '99, a student representative on the CUE.

"This role is not strictly limited to elected student delegates," he says. "I have found that many faculty and administrators are quite receptive to all students who come forward with constructive solutions to problems and who are willing to consider the surrounding issues carefully and seriously."

Last year, students who were not delegates to CUE approached the committee with a well-researched proposal and were invited to CUE meetings for a serious discussion of the possible courses of action, Rahn says.

"I would describe the situation as much like office hours for a course," he adds.

"Students who are willing to put the time into investigating an issue may find themselves well rewarded.