The policy of the E. Y. Berry-Library Learning Center is to encourage gifts of materials and gifts of money for the purchase of materials, which meet the same standards as materials purchased for the library. The gift item must support the objectives of the library, curriculum of the institution, and mission statement of the University. Gifts and/or donations to the library are accepted from students, faculty, staff, and the community at-large.

Individuals, corporations, associations, and others wishing to give a monetary donation, to purchase new equipment or materials for the library, or to donate materials exceeding $1000 must be referred to the Library Director so that details specific to the donations may be worked out.

The library is happy to accept gifts with the understanding that materials which will enrich the permanent collection will be retained and become the property of the library. Other material(s) not retained will be disposed of in a manner advantageous to the library. This may be through exchange, discard, or sale.

The library will gladly accept gifts for which there are no restrictions as to their placement or use.

The Gift Librarian/Acquisition Librarian will evaluate material donations upon their arrival, weeding as necessary. Materials will then be reviewed for adoption into the collection by the Acquisition Librarian and/or librarians specializing in certain subjects.

The value of the gift shall be weighed against space limitations and cost of processing the material. Gifts which are duplicate copies will be disposed of, exchanged, or sold unless in better condition than the copy on the library shelf. In this case, the donated material will be used as a replacement for the library copy.

The appraisal of gifts to the library, for income tax purposes, is the responsibility of the donor. The library will not make an appraisal on a gift as it is an interested party in the transaction of the materials and is prohibited by law from doing so. The library will ask the donor if he/she desires a written statement for tax purposes. If so desired, a written statement describing the contributed property, while also acknowledging the date of receipt, will be provided for income tax purposes.

If you have questions, please contact the Acquisitions Librarian at (605) 642-6358.