Reference Services
Research Access
Special Collections welcomes the use of its collections by qualified researchers. Staff assistance for Cal Poly students, faculty, and staff is provided from the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The department is closed on weekends and California state holidays.
Researchers unaffiliated with Cal Poly are strongly urged to call in advance of their visit to state the purpose of their research, indicate the collections for which access is needed, and make an appointment for a future visit.
All researchers must complete and sign the Researcher Registration Form for each visit and furnish personal photographic identification, such as a valid driver's license or college or university identification. By signing the Researcher Registration form, researchers agree to abide by the rules of use for the collections. The Researcher Registration form is available on the Web or one can be faxed.
Researchers are advised that some collections are stored off-site, requiring 24-hour notice before the materials are made available.
Advance notice is also required for research or orientation visits by classes or other groups.
Electronic finding aids for some collections are available through the Online Archive of California and/or the Special Collections Web site. The majority of the department’s finding aids, databases, and retrieval systems, however, are still available only on-site. Staff may also be able to refer researchers to collections and resources at other institutions and/or elsewhere on campus.
Holdings of the department are available to faculty, staff, students, and the public for research, within conditions imposed by donor agreements and institutional policy. Special Collections reserves the right to refuse access to department collections at its sole and absolute discretion.
Reference Requests
The Special Collections Department is staffed to provide access and expertise on its holdings. It is not staffed to do research. The staff will respond to specific reference inquiries to the best of its ability and resources. In most cases, thirty minutes of assistance is provided without charge; an hourly rate, with a one-hour minimum, is assessed thereafter. Local freelance researchers may also be able to assist you. They set their own rates and schedules and must adhere to the department’s rules for use and access.
Reference inquiries are accepted by e-mail, phone, and fax. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
- Contact Information
- Email: archives@lib.calpoly.edu
- Voice: 805.756.2305
- Fax: 805.756.5770
