Yardlings will no longer have to struggle with ill-fitting Yard keys and the annoying sound of metal against metal next year as they slip ID sized cards coded with magnetic strips into their doors.

Workers are removing the key locks and installing electronic ones in each of the Yard dormitories' main doors for the class of 1996.

After evaluating a pilot program installed in the Union dormitories last fall, the Freshmen Dean's Office decided to implement the new system this spring, said Michael Middleton, senior adviser for the Union Dorms and Thayer Hall.

The new system had reduced the number of crimes committed in the Union dormitories, Middleton said.

The cards, to be distributed to all first-years, will allow holders access to all yard and Union dormitories from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

At night, the key cards will only be effectivein the holders' home regions-South Yard residentswill only be able to open doors in South Yarddormitories, Middleton said.

The dean's office is considering provisions forstudents, such as Orthodox Jews, who may havereligious conflicts with the concept of electronickeys, Middleton said.

"[We] are consulting with people in Hillel.[Such students] will obviously not have to use asystem that is in direct conflict with theirreligious beliefs," Middleton said.

"Right now we are in the last stages of workingout arrangements," said Elizabeth Nathans, dean offirst-years. Nathans said she hopes the new keysare in place by September.

Ira E. Stoll contributed to the reporting ofthis article.