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Special Collections and Archives Class Instruction

Archives Instruction during the Kennedy Library Transformation Project

Special Collections and Archives welcomes instructors and students for instructional sessions with the archives. Archives instruction can be offered in several formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid, to serve the needs of instructors and students.

During the library renovation, we are offering instructional sessions in Building 60, Crandall Gym, and Building 26, Graphic Arts. We can also meet with you in your instructional space.

To schedule a session, contact Laura Sorvetti at lsorvett@calpoly.edu. If possible, please include your syllabus and any related assignment plans. Advance notice is appreciated, and we may not be able to arrange class instruction with less than 2 weeks' notice.

We'll discuss some of the following information to prepare for your class visit:

  • goals for your students' work with archives
  • course title and number
  • number of students in the class
  • possible dates and times for your class visit, in order of preference
  • Any accommodation needs we should take into account when planning and teaching archives sessions

Image: History 505 with Dr. Matt Hopper visit Special Collections and Archives, Winter 2023. Photo by Joe Johnston, Cal Poly.

Archives Instructional Sessions

Kennedy Library's Special Collections and Archives staff collaborate with instructors to offers a variety of services and resources for instructors desiring to introduce their students to archives and primary source research, individual or collaborative research projects, or teaching undergraduate and graduate courses that utilize our collections. 

We offer instruction sessions tailored to the needs of the particular class. We are available to assist instructors in designing assignments best suited to their individual topics and goals.

Instructors are invited to explore topics with Special Collections staff to craft memorable, hands-on experiences and to consult our resources to learn about the scope of our collections and services.

A photo of a table with archival materials.Examples of Instructional Sessions

The collections are used in a wide variety of ways. Examples of instructional sessions include:

Image: Materials set up for a class visit to the archives.

Instructional Spaces - Crandall (60-110)

Photo of Crandall conference room, which includes moveable tables and chairs and a mounted display.Crandall Gym, Building 60, Room 110

  • Six moveable tables
  • 34 total capacity of room
  • Two display monitors on east and west walls

 

 

Image: Crandall Gym instruction room.

Instructional Spaces - Building 26

Photo of the interior of the building 26 conference room, with one table and chairs.Building 26 conference room

  • One conference table
  • 10 people capacity
  • One display monitor

 

Image: Building 26 conference room