The Library greatly appreciates gifts of books and other materials that enrich the Library’s research and special collections. We accept gifts of materials that support the University’s academic programs and contribute to the excellence of research and instruction.
Materials from donors are accepted for review; librarians review all gifts for suitability for our permanent collections and dispose of unwanted gifts as appropriate unless other specific arrangements have been made with donors. Because of space constraints the Library will ask to pre-select needed items from offerings before they are delivered to the Library.
Because of space limitations, the Library is obliged to be selective in accepting gift materials. The Library will normally decline to accept items that:
Donors offering materials in areas of special interest to particular subject collections will be referred to the appropriate collection manager for further consultation. Gifts of rare books, manuscripts, and other special items will be referred to the head of Special Collections.
Acknowledgement letter. A letter acknowledging the gift that gives a general description of donations but does not evaluate them will be provided to donors.
Estimated value and appraisals. According to U.S. tax regulations, the Library, as the recipient, cannot appraise gifts for tax purposes. It is the responsibility of the donor to keep appropriate records of items donated. Upon request, the head of Special Collections can provide a list of appropriate appraisers. Appraisal costs are the responsibility of the donor.
Print and fill out the DONATION AGREEMENT before donating materials.
For questions about these types of donations, please contact:
Steven R. Harris, Director of Collections & Acquisitions Services
(505) 277-2586, srharris@unm.edu
Betty Blackburn , Gifts Section
(505) 417-5906 or 277-9236, bboop@unm.edu