This year’s stories highlight successes and transformations, which will remain woven into the fabric of our organization. Instituting contactless pick-up for library materials is an example of learning how to quickly bring together people to solve immediate problems. We also became more effective at engaging with our constituencies. We reached more users through virtual consultations and online reference assistance and helped them get access to the expertise and materials they needed. We opened access to special collections through on-demand digitization. We broke barriers in the adoption of digital resources for teaching. And we began the challenging work of developing a community-based, critical, anti-racist peer-review culture.
Last when we re-branded our annual report as “Inside 35,” we had no idea that this year, Kennedy Library’s accomplishments would be realized largely outside 35. Since March 17, Building 35 has closed its doors to the campus community. Nevertheless, the Kennedy Library team has been successful in maintaining and supporting the Learn by Doing spirit, despite social distancing and remote work conditions.
We have named our annual report Inside 35, and we are introducing a new format that aims to illustrate the impact of our programs on the Cal Poly community and how a library experience can transform lives and define future careers. The library, through all it has to offer, inspires and celebrates every student’s experience of learning, discovery and personal growth.
The upcoming renovation of Kennedy Library brings us the opportunity to add one more pillar to our commitment of keeping people at the heart of our mission by showcasing work from across disciplines and connecting individuals to opportunities that will enrich their research and academic experiences at Cal Poly. A few examples included in this report are articles about how the continuous enhancement of the new library management system aims to improve the user experience and make discovery and access to information as seamless as possible; how the library’s exhibits educate visitors; and how our public programs enrich attendees with engaging stories.
The academic year 2016-17 was focused on student success: we reached more than half of the student population through research instruction sessions; we saw a dramatic increase in attendance at our Cal Poly Authors events; and we increased the programmatic support for graduate students by offering specialized workshops and assistance for thesis research.
In 2015-16, $500,000 in student success fees to the library that allowed us to move forward with some exceptional building transformations. Read about these and other highlights in the 2015-16 report.
In July 2015, Kennedy Library joined Cal Poly’s division of Academic Programs and Planning, reflecting an emerging vision of the library as an important academic partner in powering student learning and faculty achievement. Read about highlights in 2014-2015.
The Information Services annual publication is for friends of the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, Information Technology Services and Robert E. Kennedy Library. Our highlights include the launching of our new Data Studio, website and blog, as well as recognition of outstanding programs and students.
Read stories and see media from happenings at the library. This edition includes an interview with Director of Library Information Technology Dale Kohler, who gives an overview of how student feedback has changed the library.
Kennedy Library celebrates 30 years on the Cal Poly campus. We also take a look at new directions: from the new Leadership Council to new Student Advisory Council; from LibRATS to OLLI at Cal Poly; from Learn by Doing to funds for the future.
2008 was an amazing year for Kennedy Library. We put together our first-annual publication filled with stories and photos highlighting some of our big events.
