The Campbell Library, which began a major renovation project in May 2024, is currently expected to be done ahead of the Fall 2026 semester.
The main reason for renovation is to advance the overall student experience. The library’s new layout, which is being financially supported by the university’s central budgeting office, will introduce a variety of different study environments to match different learning styles and needs.
“The renovation also comes with an increase in campus partnerships, positioning the library to serve as a crucial part of the student resource hub that includes student support services in Savitz Hall and the recently expanded Chamberlain Student Center. All three buildings, and the services offered within them, will work together to holistically support students,” said Erin O’Neill, the assistant director of communications for the division of Information Resources & Technology (IRT).
Campbell Library’s upcoming renovation aims to make the space more inclusive and accessible for students. One of the biggest changes students can expect is more efficient access to services, allowing students to receive technology help, wellness support, and academic assistance. New features that the library will be offering are more expanded silent study areas, more group collaboration rooms, and a new wellness programming space designed to promote students’ well-being.
While Campbell Library is closed due to the renovation, students can still access the services it provides. If students need to request a book, it can be done online. Digital collections are accessible remotely, and research support continues through virtual channels. For now, a temporary service point can be found in Savitz Hall, open on Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Students looking for quiet spaces to study are encouraged to use alternate spaces on campus, such as Business Hall, Discovery Hall, Engineering Hall, James Hall, or Savitz Hall.
Elliot Brandow, the director of the Campbell Library, shared what he hopes students will take away from the new library once it reopens.
“Our main goal for this renovation is to provide students with welcoming spaces that contribute to their overall success and well-being,” said Brandow. “We want to support quiet individual study, group collaborative study, public printing, information literacy and archival classes, new innovative technology, serendipitous browsing of print books, shared family study space for students responsible for children, exciting new collections of graphic novels and student-suggested fun reads, and much more. The bottom line is we want all Rowan students to see themselves in the library…”
Sezim Talgarbekkyzy, a 19-year-old sophomore marketing major, wasn’t able to take advantage of the Campbell Library before renovations began, but is eager to frequent the library once it fully re-opens to the public.
“This is my second year at Rowan, and I was only able to use the library for a short time before it closed. At first, I was really sad that I couldn’t go there and study anymore, as other places are always pretty packed, but I actually recently checked out the library’s website and am honestly excited to see all the changes,” said Talgarbekkyzy.
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