Gift Acceptance Policy

While we appreciate the intentions behind donations of books and other materials, we will accept only materials that fit one or more of the four categories below:

• Materials in good condition published in the last five years
• Lutheran-related materials
• Items written by Valparaiso University faculty, staff, students or alumni
• Items published by Valparaiso University

If you have a significant historical collection on a particular topic that you think may be of interest to the University, please discuss it with the appropriate subject librarian.  Donations of rare books, manuscripts or other special items should be discussed with Dr. Bradford Eden, Dean of Library Services.

All materials donated to the library become the property of Valparaiso University. Items retained will be added through the normal acquisitions workflow.  Items not added to the collection may be sold, donated to another library or discarded.  Library staff will not report to donors which volumes have been retained and which have not, nor will we return to donors items that are not retained.

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.  For additional information, see http://www.irs.gov.

Donation procedures

We retain the right to automatically reject donations that do not adhere to the following the procedures.  To donate materials:

• Contact Detra Becker, Library Administrative Assistant, before bringing any materials to the Library.  She will advise you on when and where to deliver the gift.
• Complete the donation form.  Include a printed copy of the form with the donation.