Use the Library

Kennedy Library offers many resources for research from books and scholarly journals to online article databases that will really improve your research.

  • Introduction to the Library

    Learn about the library and improve your research skills.
    » Check out the tutorials page.

    Freshmen 101

    A guide for first-year students… and anyone else getting to know the library.

    Course Reserves

    Information resources to supplement required course readings

    PolyCat (catalog)

    Cal Poly's online catalog of books, journals, and more. Look up the location (call number) for books and other items in print, or link to full text online. You can also privately renew your books, request books and review your check-out history online with "My PolyCat," your personal account within PolyCat.
    » PolyCat

    Interlibrary Services and Link+

    If we don't own it or it's checked out to someone else, use Interlibrary Services. Be sure to check out Link+ for fast book delivery from other libraries.

    Get Help

    We're here to help in person, by phone, by email, or by text. Find out how.

  • These links take you out out of the New Student web pages, directly into the resources themselves.

    Research Guides

    Get started with a research guide customized for your course or topic.

    Article Databases

    Looking for articles for your research? Kennedy Library has over 100 online databases, including many with full-text scholarly articles and news stories.

    College Librarians

    Each college at Cal Poly has its own College Librarian that specializes in that college's disciplines. College librarians work with faculty to provide resources for classes and they work one-on-one with students to perform research help.

    Research Planning 101

    This tutorial will help you plan and execute your big research project.

    Senior Projects

    Senior projects created by Cal Poly students are submitted to Kennedy Library and become part of the library's collection. After you've completed your senior project, deposit a copy in the Library's electronic archive. Library staff can help you with this process.