Katherine O’Clair
Katherine started in the role of Interim Dean of Library Services in July 2025, after serving for six years as the library’s Associate Dean for Academic Services. She is an experienced leader in academic libraries, and her contributions demonstrate a deep commitment to collaboration, evidence-based practices, and faculty and student success in teaching, learning, and scholarship.
Katherine joined Cal Poly in 2009 as the College Librarian for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, and during that time she has shaped the library’s programs and services to align with Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing ethos and polytechnic curriculum. Prior to coming to Cal Poly, Katherine was the Life Sciences Librarian at Arizona State University in Tempe for five years.
Katherine is recognized for her contributions to library scholarship, and she has held leadership roles in national organizations such as the American Library Association and the Association of College and Research Libraries. Since 2017, she has been a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, supporting team development and employee engagement across libraries, universities, and nonprofit organizations.
Katherine earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from Nazareth College and an M.S. in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University.