Borrowing Privileges
Anyone is free to come in and use the Robert E. Kennedy Library. However, borrowing privileges are available to Cal Poly faculty, staff and students; alumni association members; temporary card holders; Community Borrower card holders; or faculty/staff family members.
Circulation Policies
- Library materials: 90- or 21-day check out (see table below)
- Browsing books: 21 days
- Bound periodicals: 4 days
- Renew materials: Online or at the library
- Library cards: Free for Cal Poly students, faculty and staff.
| Patron Type | Library Materials | ILS Materials | Off-campus access to electronic resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty/Staff | 90 Days | Yes | Yes |
| Graduate | 90 Days | Yes | Yes |
| Undergrad | 21 Days | Yes | Yes |
| Affiliated Borrowers | 21 Days | No | No |
| Emeritus (Cal Poly) | 90 Days | Yes | Yes |
| Emeritus (CSU campuses) | 21 Days | Yes, please contact Interlibrary Services for more information | No |
| Community Users* | 21 Days | Yes, please contact Interlibrary Services for more information | No |
* For more information on our Community Borrower library cards, please see the Community Borrowers page.
Fees
Cal Poly students, faculty and staff do not need to pay for a library card. Fees may exist for students from other colleges, community members, library associates, alumni, and secondary school districts. Please view the Circulation Fees and Overdue Fines page for more information.
Patron Responsibilities
- You, the patron, are responsible for all items checked out on your I.D. card whether or not you receive or read notices.
- If you lend your card, or check out an item on your card to another person (and the book is lost or late), you are liable for all charges.
- If you lose your I.D. card, you must immediately report the loss to the Library's Circulation Desk.
- Please View Your Record using My PolyCAT periodically to determine the status of your Library account.
- You are also responsible for the repair or replacement cost for any library items returned in damaged condition.
- Cal Poly students must change their address information on-line here through the Cal Poly University Portal.
Renewals
- Select My Account from any PolyCat web session.
- Once in your record, click the button for "Items currently checked out
- Select items to renew and click "Renew Selected Items."
- You will not be able to renew if you owe fines, have recalled books, or if your item(s) are on HOLD for another patron.
- Check status messages to verify renewal. Only 3 renewals per/item, then you must bring the item(s) to the Library and re-check them out if still needed.
- Certain items may not be renewable, inquire at the Circulation Desk or service desk where checked out.
- You may also bring your items into the Library to renew. Items will not be renewed by telephone.
- Overdue items renewed will add fine charges to your library record.
Library Cards
Cal Poly Library Cards
- Cal Poly faculty, staff and students must present their current university photo identification card to borrow library materials.
- Other affiliated users must present their library-issued card, and may also be required to present a photo ID.
- Borrowing privileges may not be transferred to another borrower, and you are responsible for all materials checked out on your record.
- For your protection, if you lose your library card you must report it to the Library immediately.
Temporary Cards
- Temporary cards may be extended to Cal Poly Students not currently enrolled (but completing a class, senior project or master's thesis
- Students, staff or faculty from other CSU campuses must present their current University photo ID to obtain a temporary card.
- Inquire at the Circulation Desk for the necessary requirements to receive a temporary card.
- Community members may purchase a Library Card.
Cuesta InfoPass
- An InfoPass is a one-time pass to the Cal Poly Robert E. Kennedy Library that allows a current Cuesta student to check out materials directly, rather than through Interlibrary loan. Contact Cuesta for all information regarding the InfoPass.
