Policies - Gifts-In-Kind

Gifts of books and other materials represent an important element in the development of library collections. The Library gratefully accepts gifts which enhance existing collections or support the teaching and research programs of the College. It is the policy of the Library to accept items of this nature with the understanding that the materials will be added to the collection if they meet a specific curricular or collection need. Gifts which are not appropriate to the Library’s collections or which duplicate existing materials may be sold at the annual book sale or transferred to another agency. Proceeds from the book sale are used to purchase new materials for the Library or to support St. Michael's College student volunteerism (M.O.V.E).

Guidelines for contributing gifts-in-kind

  • The Library does not accept outdated text books, most books in poor physical condition (e.g. water-damaged, mold, damaged by rodents, soiled) or popular journals such as National Geographic.
  • The Library becomes the sole owner of donated material and therefore determines retention, location and cataloging procedures.
  • All gifts will be acknowledged by a letter from Institutional Advancement, with a copy sent to the Director of Library & Information Services. The letter will indicate the number of paperbacks, hardbound books, or magazine/periodical issues donated, but will not list titles unless they are supplied by the donor.
  • The establishment of the gift’s value for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor. The Library by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations cannot provide an appraisal or estimate of the value of the donated material. See IRS Instructions for Form 8283 -- Noncash Charitable Contributions.  Generally, if the claimed deduction for an item or group of similar items of donated property is more than $5,000, you must get a qualified appraisal made by a qualified appraiser.
  • Gifts of special or unique collections are accepted upon review and in consideration of the mission of the College and the Library’s ability to properly house and preserve the collection.
  • Arrangements should be made with the Director of Library & Information Services or the Associate Director for Collection Services before gifts are delivered to the Library.

To make arrangements for donating materials, please contact:
Laura Crain
Associate Director for Collection Services
654-2388
lcrain@smcvt.edu

 

Maintained by Tina M. Ryan