History of Campbell Library

Portrait of Rob Hilliker, Associate Provost of Rowan Univeristy Libraries

Board of Trustees Chair Keith Campbell and his wife, Shirley, give to support the new library, November 2000.

Keith & Shirley Campbell Library, located at the heart of the Glassboro campus, is the nexus for knowledge, research, and discovery at Rowan University. Over the last century, the library continually evolved and found its home in different buildings across campus. It started as a single room library in Bunce Hall (1922-1955), before it expanded to Jerohn J. Savitz Library, a two-floor structure now known as Bole Hall (1955-1963). In 1963, Savitz Library moved across campus to a a two-story facility that soon added a third floor, now known as Savitz Hall. (1963-1995).

To accommodate the rapid development of new technology and increasing enrollment, Rowan College of New Jersey broke ground on January 18, 1993, to construct a $16.8 million new library. In February 1995, the library opened its doors to 118,000 sq. ft. of research, study, and archive space. Continuing the tradition from the campus library relocation in 1955, students and employees passed books hand to hand into the new facility.

Inspired by the philanthropic spirit of Henry Rowan, Keith Campbell, then Rowan University Board of Trustees chair, and his wife, Shirley, generously donated $1.5 million to the Rowan University Foundation to establish an endowment for the library in November 2000. The Campbells chose the library as they believed it was “a gift that would touch everyone in the university community.” The facility was named Keith & Shirley Campbell Library to honor the family’s investment in “a great library for a great university.” To this day, their endowment continues to support digital scholarship projects, renovations, and research endeavors.

Campbell Library has been well known for its distinctive architecture, study areas, towering book stacks, and notable public art, including The Soul's Dispensary and Lightwave. It is home to specialized research spaces, including the Digital Scholarship Center and University Archives & Special Collections — a repository of institutional history, as well as special collections of medieval music, American industry, pop culture, exploration, geneaology and more.

Beginning Summer 2024, Campbell Library will undergo a transformative renovation. The project aims to refresh and reimagine library spaces, incorporating comfortable and inclusive study areas, flexible learning and teaching resources, and curated collections that better represent the diverse and evolving needs of the Rowan community.

Campbell Library, along with partner facilities that comprise Rowan University Libraries', demonstrates the shared mission and vision dedicated to promoting information empowerment through the use of innovative technology and the delivery of exceptional service.

About Keith & Shirley Campbell

Keith Campbell, Chairman of the Board of the Salem County-based Mannington Mills, and his wife, Shirley, embody the family-owned company’s core values: "Care, Do the Right Thing." The Campbells are deeply involved in Salem County, actively cultivating youth-focused initiatives and programs, such as The Mannington Mills "Stand on A Better World" scholarship which recognizes a deserving graduating high school senior. The Campbells’ commitment to Rowan University is in part motivated by ensuring a high-quality university education is accessible for Salem County residents. The family's commitment to improving the lives of others extends beyond their immediate community, as demonstrated through their charitable work with the Red Cross and Ukrainian refugee relief.

A strong advocate and supporter of Rowan University, Keith Campbell served on the Rowan University Foundation Board from 1990–1993 and 2007–2012. He served on the Board of Trustees from 1993-2005 and 2012–2017, and as its chair from 1999-2002. In appreciation of his dedication to Rowan University, Campbell was chosen to address the Class of 2011 undergraduate commencement ceremony.

In 2006, Keith and Shirley Campbell received honorary doctorates in humanities from the University. Their son, John B. Campbell III, is a 2008 cum laude graduate of the Rohrer College of Business MIS program.

Rowan University has been touched by the active generosity of the Campbell family and is honored to be a part of its effort to improve access to quality education for all.