Lawrence University Library Gift Policy
Since its founding, the Lawrence University Library has benefited from gifts of books and other materials. We welcome donations that fall within the scope of our collections and that support the university's curriculum and research needs. We are happy to accept materials that are scholarly or rare that will benefit today's students and the students of tomorrow.
Gifts of Money
Funds for library purposes are always welcome. Information on making a designated gift to the Lawrence University Library may be obtained by contacting the University Librarian or Lawrence University's Office of Development.
Gifts of Materials
Lawrence University Library accept gifts of books and other library materials with the understanding that, upon receipt, Lawrence University becomes the owner of the materials. Donors will be asked to sign a Deed of Gift (PDF), assigning ownership to Lawrence. The Director of Technical Services, with advice from the University Librarian, will select materials for inclusion into the Library's collections based on their present and future value to our students, faculty, and staff, and on their condition. We reserve the right to handle materials that are duplicates, or otherwise unsuited for the collection, as we feel will best serve Lawrence University. This may be through donation to another institution, sale, trade, or recycling. The Library will normally not accept restricted donations.
No library collects everything, and every gift requires evaluation for its suitability to the collection and its condition before a decision is made to catalog, process, and shelve it. For this reason, we carefully evaluate all potential gifts in order to use the Library's resources wisely. Large collections that are not suited for the Lawrence University Library will be regretfully declined. We may be able to assist the would-be donor in finding more appropriate locations for his or her materials.
Appraisals and Tax Information
Donors are required by the Internal Revenue Service to obtain their own evaluations. As an interested party, the Lawrence University Library is not allowed to provide appraisals. We may be able to suggest alternative avenues for determining value. The Library will acknowledge all gifts by letter. Additional acknowledgement may be received from Lawrence University's Office of Development. Limitations of staff prevent us from preparing lists of gifts received.
Delivering Gifts of Materials
Small gifts, usually a boxful or less, may be delivered directly to the Director of Technical Services. Arrangements for the delivery of larger gifts should be made through the University Librarian.
