Donations to the Library

Gifts and Donations to the SMSU Library

Since the mission of SMSU is to provide high quality liberal arts, professional, and technical programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, and the mission of the SMSU Library is to provide information services and resources to Southwest Minnesota State University and southwestern Minnesota, these two frameworks guide the formation of this policy.

Monetary gifts for the Library Endowment
The SMSU Foundation welcomes monetary gifts. Please specify that your gift is for the Library Endowment. The Library Endowment proceeds permit the Library to purchase books and other materials that are beyond the Library annual budget.
SMSU Foundation: 507-537-6266 foundation@smsu.edu

Gift Materials & Donations Policy.  Please contact Librarian Māra Wiggins with any questions regarding the donation of books or other materials at 507-537-6134 or mara.wiggins@smsu.edu.

The Library welcomes gift materials and will add them to its collections if the gift materials support the mission of the Library by supporting the curriculum and community interests as space permits. All donations are subject to review. We consider subject relevance to the collections, physical condition, and available storage space. Books and other materials given to Southwest Minnesota State University Library become the property of the Library. SMSU Library reserves the right to determine retention, location, cataloging treatment and other considerations relating to the use and disposition of gifts.

The most useful donations are new books and replacements for missing items that enrich the curriculum resources and support the missions of the Library and the university. The Library does not collect duplicates, older paperbacks, or outdated textbooks. If the donation would be better suited elsewhere, a librarian may refer a prospective donor to a public library or a charitable organization. Materials not selected for additions to the collections may be sold at an annual book sale, recycled, or offered to other entities. Proceeds from the book sale are used to buy new materials.

Lists of donated items, if desired, must be completed by the donor in advance. SMSU Foundation Office considers all material gifts to the Library to be non-cash charitable donations. Donors may wish to consult their tax advisor or review the tax code regarding charitable donations on the Internal Revenue Service’s website. Upon delivery of the donation to their office, the Foundation office may provide an acknowledgement letter, but does not itemize or assess the value of the gift.

Procedures
Library staff share the donor’s concern that gift material will actually be used at the library. We maintain the right to not accept a gift if it is deemed unsuitable for the library. Please call ahead (507-537-6134 or māra.wiggins@smsu.edu) to ask if the donation seems useful and appropriate based on its age, condition, the current university curriculum, etc. Upon agreement with the librarian, set a mutually-agreed-upon delivery date. We do not have a pick-up service available but arrangements may be able to be made.  Please inquire.

Donor Recognition
After the gift enters the Library, we are not able to accommodate a review of the donation, since processing distributes the collection. If desired, the Library can insert book plates with the donor’s name. Book plates may not be appropriate for certain formats or rare, fragile materials.

Some donors prefer not to be publicly recognized. Please consult with the librarian regarding issues of recognition.

Formats we accept:

• Books (hard cover and paperbacks)
• Scripts
• Scores
• Music CDs
• VHS videos
• DVD videos
• Please consult with University Librarian regarding materials including artifacts related to the history of SMSU & the SMSU Library, such as, photographs, correspondence, programs, etc.
• Other: consult with librarians

Please Note:
SMSU Library is a working university collection that is used heavily by students. The Library cannot function as an archive for personal papers, artists’ works or personal book collections that require special housing. If you have material that is relevant to SMSU’s history, please consult with University Librarian Pam Gladis (507-537-6813 or pam.gladis@smsu.edu) regarding the SMSU Striegel Archives, which is a separate collection.

ADOPTED 12/2005