University Librarian Anna Gold
Welcome to Kennedy Library
"not only is it our nature to learn, but we love to learn."
— Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline
Stewart Brand's book, How Buildings Learn, tells us that buildings are always changing as people shape and reshape them. The Robert E. Kennedy Library, dedicated in 1981 in honor of an influential and dedicated former Cal Poly president, was built to house books, amid beautiful trees and inspiring views, around a splendid grand stairway.
In the last few years Kennedy Library spaces have been reshaped around people. We have infused the building with tools and technology that support study and research. We are a place of wide-open spaces, comfortable chairs, a bustling café, artwork, noise, conversation, and hard work made more companionable and productive by the company of thousands of people who spend time here every day.
Like our building, our mission and programs are continually reshaped around the changing needs of students and faculty. Our library is not alone in this work — we are part of a remarkable and swift evolution of university libraries in a time of great cultural and technological change.
We invite you to join us as partners in this adventure, as we work to extend the reach and excellence of Cal Poly's library by:
- Delivering excellence and usability in technology;
- Designing the spaces for collaboration that are essential to Cal Poly's learn by doing culture;
- Showcasing Cal Poly's original research through a global Digital Commons;
- Connecting Cal Poly's students and faculty to global information and knowledge;
- Fostering conversation on issues that cut across colleges, generations, and professions; and
- Joining faculty in providing the expert assistance to students that will advance their success in Cal Poly's polytechnic environment.
Thank you for visiting, and for your help in sustaining a vibrant and continually changing university library for Cal Poly.
Anna Gold, University Librarian
