Hands-on learning
Special Collections and Archives acquires, organizes, describes, preserves, interprets, and provides access to primary research materials in their original formats to support discovery, education, and research at all levels and across disciplines.
SCA Hours
Collections
Learn about our collecting strengths and how to search across our collections.
Research and Teaching
Schedule a research visit or an instruction session, request reproductions, and more.
Library Exhibitions
History of Kennedy Library
Cal Poly’s first library was started in 1903 in one room of the original administration building on campus (now demolished). In 1942, the library made its first move to the newly completed clock tower administration building. The first building to be completed following World War II was the $700,000 Walter F. Dexter Library. Dedicated in October 1948, the building memorialized the Sacramento administrator who had helped secure collegiate status for Cal Poly eight years before.
Support Special Collections and Archives
Creating our future together: Kennedy Library is at the forefront of supporting Cal Poly’s unique Learn by Doing mission.
