Research 101
Brett Bodemer CLA Librarian/Coordinator of Reference
Online Resources
- Institutional ResearchThe Institutional Research Office gathers data and compiles readable and useful reports about Cal Poly, including sizes of entering classes, student demographics, etc. You can also contact them to request information.
- Historic Data Available in University ArchivesRecords prior to 1998 from the Office of Institutional Research are available in the University Archives, including enrollments, demographics, etc.
- Mustang NewsKeyword searches can take you back through original Mustang News online content.
- Cal Poly Student Newspaper Online ArchiveKennedy Library's Special Collections has digitized original printed campus newspaper issues under various titles from 1916 to 2011.
- San Luis Obispo TribuneThe Tribune contains many stories about Cal Poly. Access is online. Click here to view the options.
- Cal Poly History in University ArchivesA brief history of Cal Poly with links to photos and other information.
- El Rodeo YearbookView digital versions of the El Rodeo Yearbook from 1927-1990! And other annual publications!
- Cal Poly Course Catalogs 1903-2015View course catalogs from 1903-2015 here.
- Cal Poly Catalogs 2015 - PresentView archived catalogs from 2015 onward.
- More Campus Documents in University ArchivesDocuments, maps, photographs, sound records, and video that document the history of Cal Poly in the University Archives.
- Other Campus DocumentsA variety of departmental newsletters, academic senate documents, and more.
******** Online and In-Library Resources******** - Special CollectionsSpecial Collections will open a service point in Crandall Gym in summer 2023. The expert staff can provide help and access to a variety of materials including some pertaining to local history.
- Cal Poly Web ArchiveSince 2015, University Archives has been archiving Cal Poly web content.
Finding Senior Projects
Senior Projects prior to Fall 2009 are on microfiche (miniaturized cards) and are available to view in Crandall (Bldg 60) during open hours. You can identify these older Senior Projects by using OneSearch. You will be able to retrieve them and view them on the nearby microfilm readers, and you can also scan to a flashdrive or take pictures with a smartphone.
Senior Projects AFTER Fall 2009 are available digitally at the DigitalCommons@CalPoly. You can search by title author or keyword on DigitalCommons or on OneSearch..
How do I Find both older and newer Senior Projects in OneSearch ? Use ADVANCED search: set lefthand pull down to LOCAL COLLECTIONS and type in Senior Projects. Then type in author and/or title information as relevant in another box.
- OneSearchYou can search older and newer Senior Projects here. Use ADVANCED search: set lefthand pull down to LOCAL COLLECTION and type in Senior Projects. Then type in author and/or title information as relevant in another box. Projects from 1942 to Fall 2009 are on microfiche and can be viewed in Crandall (bldg. 60).
- DigitalCommons@CalPolySearch and view Senior Projects online from 2009 to the present here,
Finding Cal Poly MA Theses
MA Theses 1968-2009 can be searched and viewed online in the Proquest's Dissertations and Theses California Polytechnic State University.
MA These 2009 to the present can be searched and viewed online in the DigitalCommons at CalPoly. You can search by title author or keyword on DigitalCommons or on OneSearch.
NOTE: Print copies of theses that are listed in OneSearch are NOT available during the renovation relocation.
- DigitalCommons at Cal PolySearch for MA theses from 2009 to the present here.
- Dissertations & Theses @ California Polytechnic State University (ProQuest) This link opens in a new windowMasters' theses produced by students at Cal Poly from 1968-2009.