Collection Development Policies Princeton’s subject selectors are responsible for developing Princeton’s collections based on teaching and research needs. Documentation for these processes of acquisition for and development of these collections takes the form of collection policies. These policies describe how subject collections are developed and how each collection supports the University’s teaching and research needs in these areas. They are constantly evolving and are based on an ongoing dialogue with faculty and students. The Policies also explore subtle and dramatic differences in collecting level, formats, languages and other criteria among collections at Princeton and with cooperative collecting programs with other research institutions. Gift Materials Policy 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 We ask that 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 Collections and Access Services, or Patty Gaspari-Bridges, Assistant University Librarian for Collection Development. Gifts for the general circulating collections should be discussed with the appropriate subject specialists. Please contact Patricia Gaspari-Bridges for questions about gifts or for a referral to the most appropriate subject specialist. 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. 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. As a general rule, the library does not accept or retain gifts that duplicate items already held or are 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. Acknowledgement Donors will receive an acknowledgement response from the Collection Development Department Office upon receipt of the gift. Contact usAny question regarding gifts to Princeton University Library may be directed to Tracie Emanuel, Administrative Assistant, Collection Development Department.
