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Kresge Library - A teaching library with an oustanding student-centered information literacy program
Policies & Procedures Regarding Gifts of Materials

Gift books and other library materials are welcome
The Library staff welcomes the opportunity to discuss with potential donors the possibility of contributing materials to the Kresge Library.  Such gifts can enhance the Library's collections in a variety of ways, thereby enriching the resources available to OU students, faculty and the larger community.

What are the criteria for accepting gifts and for adding materials to the library's collections?
Before accepting a gift, librarians must determine if a reasonable number of the items will be appropriate to add to the collections.  Materials need to be in good physical shape (not heavily underlined, in need of repair, etc.), supportive of the University curriculum or research interests of faculty and students, and on an appropriate academic level.  Journal issues should be ones that will fill gaps in our holdings or that are of sufficient completeness and importance to justify adding without having had prior holdings.

What happens to those materials added?
Librarians will review items received using criteria such as those listed above.  In most cases titles added will be integrated into existing collections that are available to all of the Library's patrons. At the request of the donor, materials may be bookplated indicating the donor's name.

What happens to those materials not added?
Gift materials that are not added to the Library's collections are generally made available for adoption by Library patrons, or, in some cases, offered to other libraries and non-profit organizations.  At the donor's request, arrangements can be made at the time of donation to have such materials returned.

Procedures

  • Contact the Coordinator of Collection Development about the potential gift (Shawn Lombardo, 248-370-2493).  The Coordinator may need a listing of the items or to view the potential gift before determination can be made concerning acceptance.
  • Arrange to transport materials to Kresge Library.  Donors can arrange with Library staff for assistance with unloading at the Library's loading dock.  In special cases, Library staff can make arrangements for the pick up of collections.
  • The University will furnish the donor with an acknowledgment of the donation.
  • Gifts of materials worth more than  $5,000 must first be accepted at the University level.  An appraisal at the donor's expense is required from an independent qualified appraiser. 

Policy Last Revised: November 12, 2001