Students will now be required to present their bursar's cards upon entering Lamont Library, in accordance with a new security procedure instituted for the first time yesterday.

Lucy M. Manzi, Lamont Librarian, said yesterday that the measure is designed to "keep out outsiders" and prevent "problems" similar to the attempted rape of a Radcliffe student which took place in the building last spring.

Manzi said that in order further to tighten security, the western entrance to Lamont will now close at 5:30 p.m. The northern entrance will remain open on its normal schedule.

A committee composed of Manzi, Louis E. Martin, librarian of Harvard College, representatives from the Harvard Police, and Lamont and Widener security staffs made the decision to require bursar's cards of all those entering Lamont.

Martin said that although outsiders have never been technically allowed in Lamont before, no means existed to stop them from entering. Previously, Lamont guards only checked students for stolen books as they were leaving.

Indefinitely

Martin said that both security procedures will continue "indefinitely" adding that he plans no more security innovations at this time.

Both Manzi and Martin said that they were not sure if the new procedure would result in any increased costs for the library.

Daniel S. Howard, a Lamont guard, said yesterday he thinks the new procedure has improved Lamont security.

"We are letting students without their bursar's cards in this week, but we plan to tighten up next week," Howard said.

Howard said some students have balked at producing their bursar's cards, but that overall cooperation has been "very good."

Hilles has always required students to produce bursar's cards upon entering, and the Boston University Library began such a procedure this year because of problems similar to Lamont's, Martin said.