The Magic of College Radio in the Kennedy Library
Cal Poly’s Robert E. Kennedy Library reopened on Sep. 15, featuring technological and accessibility upgrades, as well as a comprehensive and eye-catching KCPR exhibit created by history senior Conner Siegfried Phillips.
Phillips’ mission for the exhibit was to share the history of Cal Poly’s radio station, while highlighting what sets KCPR apart from other student organizations. He applauds the station’s student-run nature, noting that KCPR students built the studio themselves.
“It’s the purest embodiment of Learn by Doing,” Phillips said.
The project first manifested last year, when Phillips saw an internship opportunity to curate an exhibit for the reopening of the library.
“We want the library to be something that’s going to entice what’s hot on campus right now, and I feel like KCPR is pretty in tune and a big part of campus. If we make it about something people are already excited about, that’s half the battle,” Phillips said.
Once his idea was selected, Phillips quickly began the long and tedious process of sorting through KCPRs archives. Boxes were filled with everything from old cassettes and records to paperwork and stereo manuals.
“There were thousands of tapes featuring old broadcasts, sound bytes, DJ IDs … Every box I’d open would be a surprise,” Phillips said
As part of his research process, Phillips also interviewed KCPR alumni from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, as well as current students, gathering anecdotes to incorporate into his project. The exhibit’s logo was designed by KCPR Art Director Linnaea Marks, reflecting Phillips’ goal of incorporating and giving voice to KCPR members.
“I thought it was really important that people in KCPR were involved in helping,” Phillips said.
The project came with its own challenges, such as condensing the plethora of information and stories Phillips had gathered. For organization, he compiled a spreadsheet cataloguing items worth potentially including in the exhibit, with thousands of options.
The making of his exhibit took countless drafts, iterations and edits until reaching its final product — a neatly condensed 15-minute experience, just past the library’s entrance on the ground floor.
“I think a huge problem with the discipline of history and museums in general is accessibility,” Phillips said.
His exhibit, however, includes multiple modes of accessibility, including bilingual text and audio recordings. The exhibit can also be experienced digitally through an online storymap.
“I’m really happy with the way it turned out and I’m really grateful to the people that helped,” Phillips said.
Check out the KCPR exhibit today and experience firsthand how Phillips brings the magic of college radio right to the entrance of the library.
