Study Areas

The Hope Brings Strength (HBS) Health Sciences Library provides a welcoming and functional study environment designed to support academic success. Features include:

• 26 individual study carrels
• Over 20 tables
• Seating for more than 230 users

All study carrels and most tables are equipped with power outlets and lighting.

The main section of the HBS Library, along with designated study rooms, is accessible 24/7 to current faculty, staff, and students enrolled in Virtua Health College programs based on the Stratford campus. For details, please visit the Location and Hours page.

Study Rooms

• Four small study rooms (seating approximately 4 people each) are located at the rear of the library.
• Six open-top study rooms (seating approximately 8 people each) are located in the main area.

Reservation Policy

• Study rooms require a reservation during staffed hours and are available on a first-come, first-served basis during unstaffed hours.
• Reservations are available in two-hour blocks and may be extended if needed.
• Reservations can be made online, in person, or by phone.
• Rooms will be held for 15 minutes past the reserved time before being released to the next requester.
• The library reserves the right to cancel reservations for no-shows.
• Do not leave personal belongings unattended or use items to claim a study room. The library is not responsible for lost or unattended items and may remove them.

Note: Study rooms are not soundproof. Please be considerate of others by keeping noise to a minimum.

Additional Rooms

• Two larger rooms (seating approximately 12 people each) are available on a first-come, first-served basis during staffed hours. These rooms are secured during unstaffed hours.
• These rooms are not reservable by students and are prioritized for faculty use for small group teaching.

Quiet Study Areas

For students seeking a quieter environment during staffed hours, the library offers:

• One quiet study room adjacent to the service desk
• Two quiet study rooms at the rear of the library

These rooms are intended for individual study only and cannot be reserved. Quiet study rooms are secured during unstaffed hours. Group study should be conducted in designated group study rooms.

Please silence all devices and avoid conversation in these areas.

Sewell Learning Commons

Located on the 2nd floor of the Rowan Medicine, Sewell building, the Sewell Learning Commons offers:

• 24/7 access for Rowan-Virtua SOM students, faculty, and staff with a Rowan ID
• 30+ individual study carrels
• Multiple tables, all equipped with power outlets and lighting

Food and Drink Policy

To maintain a clean and comfortable study environment, the Hope Brings Strength Library Food and Beverage Policy permits only:

Acceptable Items

• Beverages in containers with lids (e.g., bottles, pop-top cans, travel mugs)
• Dry, non-messy snack foods in individual portions (e.g., chips, granola bars, candy, pretzels, muffins)

Unacceptable Items

• Beverages without lids (e.g., open coffee cups, uncovered soda cups)
• Hot meals or messy foods (e.g., pizza, burgers, fries, soups, salads, sandwiches)
• Wet or odorous items (e.g., yogurt, fruit, oatmeal, hummus, cheese)
• If a utensil is required to consume the food, it is not permitted in the library.

Please adhere to this policy to ensure a pleasant study environment for all users.