Who Gets In? The Rules for Accessing the Paul Robeson Library and Why They Exist
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Students and visitors entering Paul Robeson Library must show either a current physical government-issued photo ID, Rutgers–Camden ID, Rowan University Camden ID, or Camden County College in Camden ID, according to Rutgers–Camden library policy.
In addition to the ID requirement, the library’s posted policy states that the second-floor study area is limited to Rutgers, CCC/Rowan, and LEAP students.
Regina Koury, Associate University Librarian at Rutgers University–Camden, said the entry rules are enforced at the front desk consistently throughout the day. “Security at the front desk reinforces this,” she said. “It’s the same throughout the day or staffing.”
Koury explained that she could not point to a single trigger that prompted the policy, but described the purpose as safety and protection for people and resources inside the building. But, Koury did share why the second floor is available exclusively to students:
“This was a student’s request to make this space more conductive for study,” she said. She added that it aligns with other student-driven limits in the building, “It is similar to students’ request on restricting study room use to students only, no faculty or staff.”
When asked what problems the policies are meant to solve, Koury said they are meant to, “reinforce the idea that the library space is meant to be conductive for study and research.” She also shared that the rules apply broadly, and that there are no exceptions for guests or community users.
Koury said the second-floor policy has been in place since 2024, while the ID requirement and student-only study rooms have existed longer. She expressed that she has observed changes in usage or behavior following the policies and that the second floor is busy and that study rooms are frequently reserved during fall and spring semesters.
She added that one recurring issue involves noise expectations in quiet areas, particularly the silent study space. “Normally we have no issues with students following the rules, except for the silent study area,” she said, “which on occasions requires a reminder that it’s a designated silent zone.”
For students who use the library regularly, the policies shape what the space is for and who it prioritizes: an academically focused environment built around study access and quiet expectations. The “Visit and Study” page lists the current ID requirement and second-floor eligibility so students can confirm the rules before arriving.
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