Library Services is comprised of libraries located at the San Luis Obispo and Solano/Maritime Academy campuses. Together, they foster open inquiry, collaboration, and innovation in an inclusive environment by providing access to diverse information resources; supporting student success through innovative programs, services and spaces; and preserving unique collections that enrich campus and community life.
Library Services offers extensive access to digital and print scholarly resources. Information resources can be requested from and delivered to both campuses, and Interlibrary Loan services are available for items not held in the libraries' collections. Special Collections and Archives offers unique collections and primary source materials, including the University Archives, and collections are accessible online or by appointment. The Solano campus/Maritime Academy holds the Cal Maritime Campus History Collection. Institutional digital repositories share Cal Poly’s research, scholarly and creative works, including faculty publications, graduate theses and reports, and undergraduate projects.
Library faculty and specialists provide personalized research assistance and curriculum-integrated instruction to support each academic program. Through partnerships with faculty in Cal Poly’s academic programs, students learn to find, evaluate, and use information effectively, developing strong research and communication skills. Research assistance is available at service desks and virtually through 24/7 live chat. Credit-bearing information literacy courses are offered at the Solano campus/Maritime Academy.
Library Services offers a variety of individual and group study spaces with views that highlight the landscapes and surroundings on each campus. At the San Luis Obispo campus, the recently renovated building offers updated spaces, including secure 24/7 access to the first and second floors as well as all-gender restrooms, a café, exhibition spaces, and a landscaped courtyard. The Digital Scholarship Studio offers spaces and resources to support Learn by Doing and the university's polytechnic curriculum with advanced software for data analysis and visualization and peer learning support services. At the Solano campus, students have access to a convenient study space on the lower campus, and the new NSMV Golden State vessel will offer onboard library spaces and collections to support summer sea term participants.
Library Services offers high-speed Wi-Fi, computers with academic software, and self-service printing kiosks at both campuses. Each campus library provides equipment and services to support the specific academic programs and the campus community, including accessible workstations and assistive technologies.