Verba says that there were two points he wanted to convey to the alumni--the uniqueness of Harvard's immense historical collection and the steps Harvard is taking towards more modern library technologies.

Cline says that in addition to educating potential donors about the importance of library funding, it is important to explain to previous donors the impact of their gifts.

Donors who feel that they made an important contribution with their funds will spread the word, according to Cline.

"There is nothing to match the enthusiasm of a donor speaking to someone else about the importance of a gift," she says.

The library is working to find ways to recognize those donors who have already improved the library.

Cline says that the library puts honorary plates in books and plaques on walls to recognize donors who have donated money for projects like book preservation and building renovation. The library may also dedicate spaces to big givers like Loker, who recently saw Widener Library's reading room renamed in her honor.

"It's our job to find ways to help people understand the importance of their gift. "Cline says. "Some donors wish to remain totally anonymous, but many do like some form of recognition."

The Final Months

Despite the slow start, administrators say that funds for the library will turn up.

"We must do the library--we have no choice," says Harvey V. Fineberg '67, Harvard's provost. "We owe it to our successors."

And with the initial priorities of the campaign like the Barker Center and financial aid funding out of the way, more energy can be spent on the sections that trail behind, Verba says.

"A lot of time is being spent figuring out how to readjust our efforts in funding," Boardman says.