Reference Services for the Public
The Rutgers Law Library - Newark exists to support the research and study needs of the students, faculty and staff of the Rutgers School of Law-Newark. Members of the public may use the resources of the Law Library to conduct legal research. Patrons without a Rutgers University ID are required to sign in at the Circulation Desk. The Library uses this registration information for statistical reports, collection development, circulation control, and to support applications for funding.
During most business hours a Reference Librarian is available at the first floor Reference Desk to direct members of the public to sources that may help answer their legal questions. Patrons are reminded that because of the complicated nature of many legal problems, the services of a qualified attorney may be required. REFERENCE LIBRARIANS CANNOT PROVIDE PATRONS WITH LEGAL ADVICE OR HELP PATRONS MAKE DECISIONS REGARDING LEGAL RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES. THEY CANNOT INTERPRET STATUTES, CASES, OR ANY OTHER MATERIALS FOR PATRONS. If you need legal assistance that the Law Library cannot provide, you may want to contact the Legal Services of New Jersey Legal Hotline at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529). This statewide legal hotline provides legal information, advice and referral to low-income residents of New Jersey with civil legal problems (criminal cases are referred).
During the regular school year the Reference Desk hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m on Friday and Saturday. To view a complete listing of the law library hours and dates open please see our Hours page.