Gifts and Donations

The Luther College Library welcomes gifts of materials appropriate to the collections. Material is considered to be a gift when title to the property passes from the giver to the recipient without compensation [Ref: West’s Encyclopedia of Law, 2005]. Gifts of extraordinary value are handled on a case by case basis.

When the library accepts gifts, it should be understood that upon receipt Luther College becomes the owner of the material and, as such, reserves the right to determine its retention, location, cataloging treatment, and other considerations related to its use, maintenance or removal. Library staff make every effort to ensure that donors understand these conditions before accepting gifts. If there are questions concerning gifts, final determination rests with the Executive Director.

Librarians cannot provide appraisals of materials but will acknowledge receipt of a gift. Appraisals are the monetary evaluation of materials for insurance, tax, or other purposes. Acknowledgement to document a gift typically occurs with an exchange of letters but may also be through a Deed of Gift, or a bequest. The library assumes no responsibility for the use donors make of such acknowledgements. Librarians may provide informed opinion concerning authenticity or market value of books and manuscripts but will make clear that these views do not substitute for professional appraisal nor should they be the sole means upon which donors value their gift. It is the donors’ responsibility to determine the value of their gift(s) and seek an independent appraisal when appropriate. . [“Special collections librarians must not engage in any dealing or appraisal of special collections materials…” ACRL Code of Ethics for Special Collections Librarians, 2003]. Patrons seeking guidance on the authenticity or market value of books and manuscripts may be assisted by the librarians in the use of appropriate reference tools for these purposes.

Appropriate recognition of gifts retained by the library may be made at the discretion of the Executive Director, librarians and archivist. These include affixing book plates or labels for gifts recognizing the donor or providing other pertinent information.

Librarians will promptly notify the Luther College Development Office of gifts received by the library which exceed $500.00. The notification should include the nature and value of the gift, if known. In addition, names of all donors will be forwarded to the Development Office on a regular basis.

Excerpted from Luther College Library Collection Development Policy, Adopted March 2001.