Gifts of Materials

Gifts can play an important role in the development of active library collections suited to meet the needs of library users. The Clark Library welcomes gifts of books, as well as financial support to help add depth and diversity to the library's collection. The Clark Library also accepts gifts for its Special Collections in the following formats: rare books, manuscripts, pamphlets, and broadsides.

The Clark Library accepts gift donations provided they meet collection parameters, matching areas of research and instruction at the University. Particularly useful are hard cover books and high-quality paperbacks or scores with scientific, scholarly, literary, or artistic merit that support the University's curriculum. We cannot accept outdated textbooks, popular magazines, mass-market publications, materials in poor condition, and superseded formats, such as LPs, DVDs, Blu-rays, audio CDs, and VHS tapes.

Acceptance of Gifts

Gifts of materials are considered as outright and unrestricted donations and accepted with the understanding that they are to be used in the best interest of the Clark Library. Upon receipt they become the property of the Library. The Library holds the right to determine retention, location, circulation and disposition of the gift. Generally the Library adds items that would be unique to the collection and provide added value. The Library retains the right to dispose of gifts not added to its collection. Two common practices are exchange with or gift to other libraries or friends groups. We cannot return gifts to donors.

Gifts are accepted with prior arrangement with the Head of Collection Services or designee, usually the subject liaison. The Clark Library will acknowledge gifts unless otherwise indicated by the donor. Generally we cannot provide a detailed list of donations and cannot provide an acknowledgement at a later date for tax purposes.

Gifts and taxes

Books and other materials given to the Clark Library can be claimed as an income tax deduction at fair market value. An appraisal for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor. As an interested party, the Library cannot appraise gifts. The IRS has specific guidelines and requirements for in-kind donations. More information about IRS requirements can be found in Publication 561: Determining the Value of Donated Property or through consulting an attorney or other tax expert.

For more information

To make arrangements for a donation of materials, please contact Christina Prucha at 503.943.7419 or prucha@up.edu. For information on making a monetary contribution please contact the University's development office at 503.943.7395.

Thank you for thinking of the University and Clark Library.