"I think that had a certain democracy to itthat's appropriate to a library like this," Biblesaid.

Richard Sobel, a research fellow at Harvard LawSchool who works on privacy and identificationissues, says he has taken it upon himself tocontact Widener to suggest some alternate methodsof addressing the problem.

"For both symbolic and practical reasons, thisis a sea change in the policy," Sobel said. "Ithink the issue of groups and their potentialdisruption can be addressed while still making itpossible for anyone to walk in and use thelibrary."

Meanwhile, for tourists, life goes on.

Alan F. and Lillian M. Simek came from New Yorkto visit the campus and hoped to see Widener's"grand" architecture.

But both agreed they would be willing tosacrifice a few minutes of sightseeing for thelong-term benefit of the students.

"Of course, I did get a glimpse of the placethrough the windows," Alan Simek said.

Kees Heil, a scientist from the Netherlands,also hoped to see the library. But, after seeingWidener's categoric restrictions and spending afew moments peering through the windows, he turnedaway.

Heil said he regretted missing the opportunityto wander through one of Harvard's signaturebuildings, but seemed more dismayed by the figureshurrying up Widener's steps on a warm Sundayafternoon last weekend.

"I don't believe it," he said. "Students herestudy on the weekend?