Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is home to a comprehensive network of libraries that cater to the diverse needs of its students, faculty, and staff. The Rutgers Libraries system, which comprises multiple libraries across the university's campuses, serves as a vital resource for academic and research purposes. With a rich collection of materials, including books, journals, databases, and digital resources, the libraries provide unparalleled support for the academic community.
History and Evolution of Rutgers Libraries

The history of Rutgers Libraries dates back to the late 18th century when the university was first established. Over the years, the libraries have undergone significant transformations, expanding their collections and services to meet the evolving needs of the academic community. Today, the Rutgers Libraries system is a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence and research. With the advent of digital technologies, the libraries have adapted to provide online resources, digital repositories, and virtual services, ensuring that users can access information from anywhere, at any time.
Libraries Across Campuses
Rutgers Libraries has multiple locations across the university’s campuses, including the New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden campuses. Each library is tailored to serve the specific needs of its respective campus community, offering a range of resources and services. The Alexander Library, located on the College Avenue Campus in New Brunswick, is one of the largest and most comprehensive libraries in the system. Other notable libraries include the Dana Library on the Newark Campus, the Paul Robeson Library on the Camden Campus, and the Robert Wood Johnson Library of the Health Sciences, which serves the health sciences community.
Library | Location | Collection Strengths |
---|---|---|
Alexander Library | College Avenue Campus, New Brunswick | Humanities, social sciences, and area studies |
Dana Library | Newark Campus | Business, law, and public policy |
Paul Robeson Library | Camden Campus | Arts, humanities, and social sciences |
Robert Wood Johnson Library of the Health Sciences | Piscataway Campus | Health sciences, medicine, and nursing |

Key Points
- The Rutgers Libraries system comprises multiple libraries across the university's campuses, providing a comprehensive range of resources and services.
- The libraries offer a vast collection of materials, including books, journals, databases, and digital resources, to support academic and research purposes.
- The Rutgers Libraries system has a rich history, dating back to the late 18th century, and has undergone significant transformations to meet the evolving needs of the academic community.
- Each library is tailored to serve the specific needs of its respective campus community, offering a range of resources and services.
- The libraries provide online resources, digital repositories, and virtual services, ensuring that users can access information from anywhere, at any time.
Services and Resources

Rutgers Libraries offers a wide range of services and resources to support the academic success of students, faculty, and staff. These include research assistance, instructional services, and access to digital resources and databases. The libraries also provide spaces for study, collaboration, and innovation, including quiet areas, group study rooms, and makerspaces. Additionally, the libraries offer various programs and events, such as author readings, workshops, and exhibitions, to foster a culture of lifelong learning and community engagement.
Research Support
The Rutgers Libraries provide research support services to help users navigate the vast array of resources available. Librarians offer individual consultations, workshops, and online guides to assist with research, citation management, and academic writing. The libraries also provide access to specialized databases, such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and SciFinder, to support research in various disciplines.
Furthermore, the libraries offer a range of digital tools and platforms to facilitate research and collaboration. These include digital repositories, such as the Rutgers University Community Repository (RUcore), which provides access to faculty and student research, as well as digital scholarship platforms, such as the Rutgers Digital Humanities Lab.
What services do the Rutgers Libraries offer to support student success?
+The Rutgers Libraries offer a range of services to support student success, including research assistance, instructional services, and access to digital resources and databases. The libraries also provide spaces for study, collaboration, and innovation, including quiet areas, group study rooms, and makerspaces.
How can I access the Rutgers Libraries' digital resources and databases?
+You can access the Rutgers Libraries' digital resources and databases through the libraries' website, using your Rutgers NetID and password. The libraries also offer virtual services, including online research assistance and digital repositories, to support remote access to information.
What kinds of programs and events do the Rutgers Libraries offer?
+The Rutgers Libraries offer a range of programs and events, including author readings, workshops, and exhibitions, to foster a culture of lifelong learning and community engagement. The libraries also partner with other university departments and organizations to support academic and research initiatives.
In conclusion, the Rutgers Libraries system is a vital component of the university’s academic infrastructure, providing comprehensive support for students, faculty, and staff. With its rich history, diverse collections, and innovative services, the libraries play a crucial role in fostering academic success, research, and innovation. As the academic landscape continues to evolve, the Rutgers Libraries will remain at the forefront, adapting to meet the changing needs of its users and supporting the university’s mission to provide excellence in education and research.