Since closing for construction in June 2023, the Kennedy Library’s books and resources have been relocated. With most physical materials moved and research assistance shifted to an online format, students now rely on alternative methods to utilize library services.
Here’s how to access them:
Library books: Where are they now?
Before the renovation, the Kennedy Library housed approximately 260,000 books. Now, about 240,000 of those books are stored in a Sacramento warehouse, according to Brett Bodemer, a librarian for the College of Liberal Arts.
Roughly 10,000 of the most-checked-out books remain on campus and are available upon request from the Corporation Warehouse (BLDG. 70A), Bodemer said. Another 12,000 architecture books are available at the Crandall Gymnasium (BLDG. 60). Students can also request books through the Interlibrary Loan service for specific PDF files and books from other libraries.
Civil engineering sophomore Viridiana Ramirez Aguila frequently uses the Interlibrary Loan system for classwork and personal reading.
“Usually, it’ll take about seven days for the book to arrive after I request it,” Ramirez Aguila said. “I’ve been pretty satisfied with the system. It’s really easy for me to just walk over to the lockers by Dexter and grab my book on my way to class.”
She also checks out books at the Crandall Gymnasium, where a limited number of newly-arrived books are available alongside architecture books.
“I have way more options,” Ramirez Aguila said. “I can more easily search for what I want, and it’s more convenient for me.”
Shifting to digital research assistance
With the physical library closed, research assistance moved online via a 24/7 Live Chat Help service on the library’s website. This service connects students with research assistants — some from Cal Poly and others from universities and libraries around the world, according to Bodemer.
Political science sophomore Nicole Yakominich uses the online database to find peer-reviewed journals and statistics for coursework. While Yakominich has been able to access the information she needs, she said having in-person research assistants would make a big difference.
“Sometimes when you’re trying to find something, you have to use specific key words to get to the right kind of source,” Yakominich said. “I have had trouble with it because sometimes it won’t give you what you need.”
Recreation, parks and tourism administration senior Betsai Camacho also prefers in-person research help.
“The reason is the face-to-face guidance from librarians, who can assist you with your specific needs,” Camacho said. “Sometimes I have trouble finding the right keywords for searches.”
Looking ahead
These resources will remain available to students until construction is completed. The project is on track to conclude in fall 2025, according to Project Manager John Sandman.