"What's crimson and orange and read all over?"

According to Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) and University Hall, the answer is the Harvard University Pocket ID Pal.

The two organizations joined forces this year to put out a credit card-sized paper book, featuring a card pouch, a directory of University phone numbers, referrals to counseling services and dining services information.

But although the new card carriers disseminate more information than the plastic card carriers which used to sit on checker's tables, some students are not happy about the change.

About five years ago, when HUDS introduced the card swipe system, they started printing "Student Pals," plastic ID holders with a keychain attached.

Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications for HUDS Alixandra E. McNitt said the evolution in these ID card "pals" was driven by a need to put more information at student's fingertips.

"A little more than a year ago we got into a discussion with the dean of students' office on how to get information out to students," McNitt said. "We made an offer--'If you want to jump in on this, we can put dining services on one side and the University's numbers on the other.'"

After this collaboration--which produced double-sided plastic "pals" last year, McNitt said HUDS became interested in extending their ability to spread information to students in a new format.

"We became aware of this different vehicle which was more cost effective and allowed us to put more information on it," she said.