Newspapers
The Research Library currently receives about 20 newspapers covering most of the geographic areas of New Jersey.
In addition, NJ State Library (NJSL) subscribes to a few out-of-state national newspapers such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Philadelphia Inquirer.
There is a collection of approximately 50 historical newspapers on microfilm covering various towns and cities in New Jersey. Trenton area newspaper coverage goes back to the late 1700’s.
To find current and historic newspaper holdings, please visit the Newspaper LibGuide to see newspapers listed by county and years of coverage.
NJSL has a unique collection of newspaper clipping files. From the 1950’s to the 1980’s librarians from NJSL clipped major stories from about 6 prominent New Jersey papers and assigned specific subject headings. The Subject Heading Index is online and is also available in print at the reference desk. Researchers may request and review clipping file material at the NJSL.
The New Jersey State Archives, which is located near the State Library, also has a large collection of historic newspapers.
Periodicals
The Research Library has a large collection of periodicals focusing on the needs of state government. About 300 titles are currently received in print.
The emphasis of the Periodicals Collection is on the social sciences, medicine, public health, education, politics, government, psychology, the environment and management. In addition, the State Library subscribes to general interest magazines such as Consumer Reports, Time, Harper’s, Kiplinger’s, and Scientific American.
The library has a separate collection of titles relating specifically to New Jersey. These are serials from private publishers that are focused on New Jersey, and include publications such as New Jersey Monthly, New Jersey Business, and Weird N.J.
Services
Librarians are available to assist users in finding newspapers and periodicals, and in using the microfilm equipment if necessary.
Printouts can be made from the microfilm readers. There is also a digital microfilm scanner available.
For law periodicals, the librarians in the law reference department floor should be consulted.
Circulation Policy
General periodicals and New Jersey periodicals (J/PERs) do not circulate. Under certain conditions, newspaper microfilm may be loaned to research institutions upon the approval of the Serials Librarian.
Do You Still Have Questions?
Librarian: Martha Sullivan, Serials Librarian
Have a question? Need help with research or finding reliable information? The Research Library Ask a Librarian page is here to assist you.
Whether you’re exploring state resources, diving into historical archives, or simply looking for guidance on your next research project, our team of expert librarians is ready to help.