The University of Delaware Library selectively accepts gifts of library materials that support the instructional and research programs of the University. This document is intended to help potential donors identify gifts that would enhance the Library collection and those that would be better placed elsewhere. To make a monetary donation to the Library, contact the Office of the Director at (302) 831-2231 or the Office of University Development (http://www.udel.edu/development/makeagift.htm) at (302) 831-2104.

Desirable Gifts

Generally speaking, desirable gift materials include scholarly books that the Library does not already have in the collection, works that fill gaps in the collection, rare books, and primary source material such as archives and correspondence.

Inappropriate Materials

The Library is unable to accept certain gift offers due to space limitations, costs associated with processing materials, and the gift’s appropriateness to the collection.

The Library will not accept:

1. Titles the Library already owns (check DELCAT for Library holdings)
2. Materials in poor condition (for example, musty or brittle)
3. Resources in outdated formats or requiring outdated software
4. Textbooks

The Library generally does not accept:

1. Popular fiction
2. Popular magazines (e.g., National Geographic)
3. Incomplete, scattered, or single issues of periodicals

Appraisal

The Library does not appraise the value of gifts. Appraisals are the responsibility of the donor. For more information, refer to United States tax regulations, particularly 561 “Determining the Value of Donated Property,” 526 “Charitable Contributions,” and 8283 “Noncash Charitable Contributions Appraisal Summary” (http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html).

Contacts for Gift Offers

For gifts (excluding rare books), contact:

Craig Wilson
Assistant Director for Library Collections
(302) 831-2231 / cwilson@udel.edu

For rare books and manuscripts, contact:

Special Collections
askspec@udel.edu / (302) 831-2229

Alternatives to Donating to the Library and Appraisal Resources

Materials not suited for the University of Delaware Library collection may be donated to other organizations. A list of selected local establishments and appraisers is included in the Library guide Book and Conservation Resources (http://www2.lib.udel.edu/ref/howto/conserve.htm).

Approved by Library Executive Council 2/22/2007

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