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JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY (JMU) LIBRARIES

GIFTS INFORMATION FOR DONORS

As a means of enriching the library collections, the James Madison University libraries welcome gifts that add to value and depth to the libraries’ collections and support the instructional and research programs of JMU.  Gifts of money, books and other research materials can be used to develop the libraries’ collections.  Small gifts are appreciated, as well as larger contributions, endowments, and bequests.  For larger monetary gifts or “gifts in kind” of significant monetary value, contact the JMU Development Office.  For questions concerning gifts of books and research materials, please contact the Acquisitions/Collections Librarian, 540-568-2655; if you are affiliated with a department at James Madison University, please contact your library liaison.

Those interested in donating books and research materials are asked to provide a list of those materials. The library will provide a written acknowledgment receipt of all gifts.  Donors interested in an appraisal of gift items are advised that this is the responsibility of the donor, and that appraisals should be made before gifts are transferred to JMU Libraries to establish their fair market value. The library does not provide estimates of cost or value for gifts.  For a list of rare book appraisers, see the Library’s Special Collections web page. 

Gifts will be evaluated for appropriateness for our collections based on the Library’s Collection Development Policy. The library retains the right to determine their retention, use, and location. 

Here are some further considerations for donating books and other materials:

• Physical Condition: To safeguard existing library collections, library personnel will evaluate gifts for their physical condition.   

• Magazines and journals:  The library does not generally accept gifts of magazines, journals or other periodicals (except journals of historical value which may be accepted by the Special Collections Librarian).  Please direct questions regarding this policy to the Serials Unit at 540-568-6582 or 540-568-7039. 

• Large donations:  Please contact the Acquisitions/Collections Librarian to discuss pre-arrangements for large gifts.  

•  Shipping / Transporting items:  As a donor, you are responsible for the shipping or transporting of gifts.

Thank you for your interest in JMU Libraries.