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Catawba College / CLB Library / Services / Collection Development / Gifts Policy

Collection Development Gifts Policy

Due to space limitations during the current library renovation, we are unable to accept gifts at this time. We thank you for your interest in supporting the library. If you have any questions, please contact the library at (704)637-4448.

Because institutional funds are seldom adequate to provide the wide range of materials necessary to meet the needs of the community it serves, the Library welcomes gifts of books, periodicals, and other library materials to add breadth and depth to its collection and gifts of money to purchase such materials. Great care must be exercised in accepting gifts, however, due to the hidden expense of processing and maintenance and because of limited space for collection expansion.

The establishment of endowments for the purchase of library materials is encouraged. Donors may specify subject areas in which materials are to be collected. The minimum gift to establish an endowment is $1,000. The Development Office and Business Office will handle all endowment monies for the Library.

With these considerations in mind, the following guidelines shall govern the acceptance of gifts:

  1. The Library retains unconditional ownership of the gift.
  2. The Library reserves the right to determine the housing and circulation policies of all gifts accepted for addition to the collection as well as the right to discard, sell, or exchange gifts which do not meet selection criteria outlined in the Selection Policy.
  3. In accordance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, it is the responsibility of the donor to set a value for his/her gift and to make a list of items included in his/her gift. As a special courtesy, the Library will assist the donor in establishing the value of his/her gift by providing access to bibliographic sources of auction price information and/or recommending professional appraisers.
  4. The acceptance of a gift appraised by a third party does not in any way imply an endorsement of the appraisal by the Library.
  5. The Library will provide bookplates or other indications for special gifts or memorials if desired by the donor. Donor information will be a part of the official online catalog record for the gift.
  6. The Library will write a letter to the donor expressing thanks for the gift. This letter will serve as a receipt.