UNIVERSITY LIBRARY SYSTEM

University of Massachusetts Amherst 

Library Gift Policy

I. Introduction
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Library welcomes the donation of gift materials which support the teaching and research needs of the University and enhance the collections of the University Library. Due to space limitations and processing costs, the Library must be selective in the type of gifts it can accept, but we are eager to explore possibilities with potential donors.

II. Selection Criteria
The Gifts Librarian, in conjunction with the appropriate Library subject specialist, will evaluate gifts to determine whether they should be accepted in whole or in part, or whether they should be declined and other options suggested.

Donors are encouraged to donate materials which:
• enhance existing strengths in the collections
• support current teaching and research
• are in good physical condition
(In exceptional cases, the Library may accept books whose importance to the collection warrants investing in physical preservation. In such cases, the donor may be encouraged to help support the cost of the preservation treatment.)

The Library is unable to accept the donation of:
• textbooks
• mass market paperbacks
• condensed books
• outdated materials of little historic value
• short or broken runs of periodicals which do not fill in gaps in the existing collection
•  highlighted, underlined, or otherwise damaged materials (e.g., brittle paper, presence of mold, deteriorated bindings)

III. Terms of Acceptance

Cataloging
The Library will catalog and add materials to the general collections as time and staff permit. Materials awaiting cataloging will be retained in a closed storage area.

Restrictions
Gift materials which the Library keeps and catalogs are added to the general collections. The Library cannot maintain separately named or shelved collections, nor impose restrictions on use which will negatively affect access to the materials. (These restrictions do not apply to personal paper and archival materials which are governed by a separate policy administered by the Library's Special Collections and Archives Department.)

Donor Gift Plates
The Library will gift plate donated materials using standard gift plates bearing the donor's name. Alternatively, the Library will affix custom gift plates if such are supplied by the donor.

Disposition
Gifts are accepted at the discretion of the Gifts Librarian with the understanding that there are no conditions attached to their disposition.

IV. Appraisals
The Library is barred by IRS regulations from appraising the value of gifts to the Libraries. The Gifts Librarian may help the donor obtain the services of an independent appraiser whose fee must be borne by the donor.

V. Tax Deductions
For tax advise explaining the IRS regulations regarding gifts, the donor is urged to seek the advice of a tax accountant or attorney.

VI. Acknowledgement
The Library will acknowledge receipt of gifts but cannot prepare itemized lists of materials received.

VII. Packing and Transportation
The Library is very limited in its ability to pack and transport gifts to the gift storage area. It would be most helpful if donors could bear the responsibility for packing and transportation. The Library would appreciate it if periodical volumes were packed in sequential or chronological order.

The Library is prepared to discuss alternative arrangements for packing and transportation depending on the nature and location of the gift.

VIII. Donations
To offer a gift to the Library, or to obtain further information, please contact:

Gifts Librarian
Collection Development Division
W.E.B. Du Bois Library
University of Massachusetts
Amherst MA 01003
(413) 545-0058

To offer archival materials or personal papers, please contact:

Head, Special Collections and Archives
W.E.B. Du Bois Library
University of Massachusetts
Amherst MA 01003
(413) 545-0274

 

Policy recommended by Committee of the research Library Council:
Patricia Banach
Eric Esau
Arthur Quinton
Stanley Radosh
Endorsed by the Research Library Council
Approved by Margo Crist, Director of Libraries: November, 1998