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University Archives: Researching Cal Poly

Researching Cal Poly in the University Archives and beyond

Using this Guide

Welcome! We designed this guide to introduce you to resources on Cal Poly that are found in the University Archives, part of Special Collections and Archives at Robert E. Kennedy Library

The information in this guide is separated into sections. Please use the tabs at the left to navigate to each section.

Please contact Special Collections and Archives staff if you need further help!

  • Email: archives@calpoly.edu
  • Phone: (805) 756-2305

Researching with the University Archives Link to slides

Link to activity

About University Archives

The University Archives is part of Special Collections and Archives, a unit of the Kennedy Library.

The University Archives was established in 1978 as the official repository for the historical records of Cal Poly. The department is located in Room 409 on the 4th floor of the library. Archives staff preserve, describe, digitize, and support use of University Archives collections for the purpose of preserving them and making them accessible to both the Cal Poly community and the larger community for research and other purposes.

University Archives materials are stored separately from Kennedy Library’s general collections due to their rare and unique qualities, physical condition, and/or format. Materials held in University Archives do not circulate outside the department, though many are digitized and are available for free online.

Everyone is welcome!

The University Archives provides information on campus life, organizations, and activities; the physical campus, its facilities and the built environment; records documenting decision-making and policies on campus; and records documenting the experiences of students, faculty and staff, administrators, alumni, and the campus relationship with the community.

Examples Include:

  • Student clubs and organization records
  • Papers of Cal Poly Presidents
  • Land acquisition documents
  • Academic Senate records
  • Yearbooks and annuals
  • Course catalogs
  • Athletic Records, such as programs and media guides
  • Student Newspapers
  • Photographs and scrapbooks