Widener May Buy 'USA', Ignore Ban

Keyes D. Metcalfe, Director of the University Library, said last night that Widener will probably order copies of "U.S.A. Confidential" as soon as it is officially published Thursday.

But he emphasized that the University Libraries weren't trying to flout "advice" by Massachusetts State police that lending or sale of the book might make the distributor liable for court action.

"We always order copies of controversial books of this kind," Metcalf said, "for reference and research purposes." He was not sure whether the book would be available for general circulation.

Librarians in Springfield and Northampton, Mass, said yesterday they intended to defy the four-day-old police warning, and buy the book for their readers "if it is requested."

However, officials of the Boston Public Library, contacted by the CRIMSON last night, said that although numerous requests had been made for the book, they were not as yet stocking it, and probably wouldn't. "We usually withdraw books on the Boston 'Police List' anyway," one said.

The book, by Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer, "reports" on Governor Paul A. Dever, Mayor Hynes, the condition of Massachusetts State police, and Boston itself. It includes several references unfavorable to the University.