Widener Reports Overcrowding; Library Staff Will Ration Stalls

Only the 253 graduate students presently writing doctoral dissertations are assured of receiving stalls in Widener this year.

Fester M. Palmer, associate librarian for reference and circulation, reported yesterday that the staff is having some difficulty in determining how to assign the remaining 105 stalls. There have been close to 200 requests for the stalls from first and second year graduate students.

Two new colloquia required of first year History graduate students may have increased the usual demand. These courses, which require extensive reading, will count for a major portion of the students' first-year work.

Because of the shortage of stalls, students will undoubtedly be forced to double up in them during the year. Palmer noted, however, that a number of students will be able to and their research materials in other University libraries.

The need for stalls has also affected those assistant professors and instructors who use the 15 locked stalls in Widener as personal studies. The demand for the special stalls far exceeds the number available.

The proposal to fill the light courts of the library with study facilities would greatly lessen the overcrowding. Although the Widener family has consented to the plan, all of the necessary funds have not yet been secured and it will be at least two years before building is completed.

Palmer noted that it is possible for students to make effective use of the stacks by utilizing empty stalls. They do not have the advantage, however, of being able to leave research materials in them.