Frequently Asked Questions
Location and Contact
Where is the Circulation Desk?
The circulation desk is located on the first floor at the front of the library. The library is building 35 on the Cal Poly campus.
How do I contact the Circulation Desk?
You can call the circulation desk at 805/756-5760. We are available whenever the library is open.
Borrowing and renewing materials
How do I check out books?
You can check out books if you have borrowing rights at the Kennedy Library. Simply take the materials you wish to check out and your valid Cal Poly ID or Kennedy Library card to the circulation desk. Some materials may have special conditions or restrictions, especially if they are located in the Current Periodicals room, Reference room, or Special Collections. Check with Library staff before you remove items from any of these rooms.
How do I renew books?
You can renew books online through My PolyCAT or at the Circulation desk.
Who can borrow books?
Cal Poly students, faculty and staff all have Kennedy Library borrowing privileges. In addition, Cuesta College and Hancock College students may have privileges as well as alumni, community members, and employees at various school districts. Please see the Borrowing Privileges page to see a list of eligibility and possible fees.
I've lost my card. What should I do?
If you lose your I.D. card, you must immediately report the loss to the Library's Circulation Desk.
I let someone else use my card to borrow materials, but they never returned the books. Am I responsible?
Yes. 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.
- You are also responsible for the repair or replacement cost for any library items returned in damaged condition.
Reserving Materials
The book I want to borrow is already checked out to someone else. What can I do?
You can put a hold on it through PolyCat.
How am I notified if the book I request comes in or if a book I have checked out has been put on hold?
Kennedy Library handles all circulation and Interlibrary Loan notifications by e-mai. Make sure your email information is correct in the Cal Poly Portal. If you do not have e-mail, check your Library record in PolyCat on your Account page.
Overdue Fines
What are the overdue fines?
You can view a table that lists overdue fines on our Fees and Fines page.
How do I pay my overdue fines or any other Kennedy Library fees?
Fines may be paid at the Main Circulation Desk by check. To pay cash or pay at the State Cashier (Administration Building, room 131E), you must present to the State Cashier a bill issued by the Circulation Desk. To remove your Academic hold, return your paid receipt to the Library's Circulation desk.
My PolyCat
What can you do with your PolyCat Account?
- View your Library record.
- Renew your books on-line.
- Place a hold on a checked out book.
- Set up Preferred Searches for the subject/word/title/author of your interest. You will automatically be notified anytime there is a new item(s) acquired by the library that match your preferred searches.
How do I get to my account?
- Log on to My PolyCAT
- Click on the My Account link.
- Enter your last name and barcode number from your Library card.
- Click on the appropriate button:
- View fines, status of currently checked out items, items on hold including LINK+, Interlibrary loan requests, and preferred searches
- Renew your books on-line
- Set up your preferred searches.
PolyCard
Where is the PolyCard office and when is it open?
- Location
-
PolyCard Office
1 Grand Ave.
Bldg 19, Room 106F
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 - Contact Information
- Phone: (805) 756-2614
- Email: polycard@calpoly.edu
- Web: http://polycard.calpoly.edu/
- Hours
-
Day of Week Hours Monday - Friday 7:30am - 7:30pm Saturday - Sunday 10:00am - 7:00pm Hours of operation for Holidays and Quarter Breaks: Call 756-5939 or 756-2614
