About Special Collections

Origins

Special Collections, a department of the Robert E. Kennedy Library at Cal Poly, was established in 1969 to build primary source research collections that reflect and support the polytechnic curriculum of the university.

Scope

Major subject areas in the collections include architects, architecture and the built environment of California; book arts; environmental history; ethnic studies; fine printing; graphic arts; Julia Morgan; John Steinbeck first editions; landscape architecture in California; Robinson Jeffers first editions; San Luis Obispo regional history; social history; and William Randolph Hearst and San Simeon.

Mission Statement

Special Collections acquires, preserves, interprets, and provides access to primary research materials in their original formats, including books, manuscripts, archives, and other items, in support of the educational and research activities of the Cal Poly academic community, visiting scholars, and the research community at large.

Contact Information

Faculty and Staff

Nancy E. Loe
Head, Special Collections

Catherine J. Trujillo
Library Assistant

Ken Kenyon
Library Assistant

Hours & Location

Located in room 409 of the Kennedy Library, the Special Collections & University Archives Department is open from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The department is closed on weekends. The Department observes all state holidays.

Directions

San Luis Obispo is easily accessible by air, rail or automobile. For a map and travel directions, information about campus parking and links to information about accommodations in and around San Luis Obispo, please see the Cal Poly Information Page.