Gifts to the Library

Gifts

Princeton University Library welcomes gifts of books, manuscripts, and other materials that are deemed to be within the scope of its collection. Gifts are accepted which meet the collecting guidelines established to support the University's teaching and research or to add core material of scholarly research interest. We are deeply grateful to all of our donors, who for more than two and a half centuries have generously given books and other library materials to Princeton University.

How to Make a Gift

To avoid misunderstandings, we ask that all prospective donors consult with the appropriate Library staff members before making arrangements to have gifts sent or delivered to Princeton University Library. If you have a special donation situation or questions about the Gifts Policy, please contact David Magier, Associate University Librarian for Collection Development.

Gifts of rare books, manuscripts, maps, paintings, photographs, and other materials should be discussed with librarians in Special Collections.
Gifts of rare art books and materials should be discussed with librarians in Marquand Library of Art and Archaeology.
Gifts intended for the circulating collections should be discussed with the appropriate subject specialists, or with the Collection Development Department.

Gift Acceptance

Once accepted, all gifts are deemed the property of Princeton University. The library will determine whether the gift item should be added to its collections, used for exchange, or disposed of in accordance with Library policy. In general, it is not usually Library policy to retain duplicate copies of titles or items in poor physical condition. A gift copy may be used to replace a currently held volume in poor condition.

Appraisals

Please note that by Internal Revenue Service Regulations, the Library is prohibited from appraising or estimating the value of any gift. Donors who require an appraisal need to make arrangements to do so with an independent appraiser and pay for that service themselves.

Acknowledgement

The donor will receive an acknowledgment response from the Collection Development Department Office upon receipt of the gift. Alumni, faculty and donors of special gifts will receive an acknowledgement letter from the University Librarian.

Any question regarding gifts to Princeton University Library can be directed to Tracie Emanuel, Administrative Assistant, Collection Development Department.