Gifts for the Collections: Guidelines for Libraries (2019 Extended Edition)

Abstract

Gifts represent an important component of the collection-building activities of libraries. These Guidelines focus exclusively on gifts and donations to library collections, whether proactively or passively acquired. It is advisable for the library to develop clear processes for handling and evaluating gift offers in accord with the library’s gift policies. This will provide clarity both to library staff and to donors, reduce exposure to risk and potential liabilities and ensure that future opportunities associated with items accepted into the library’s collections can be fully exploited.