Why doesn’t the Libraries accept donated materials?
Donated materials must be tracked, vetted, and processed by Libraries personnel whether they are added to the collection or not. Given the labor-intensive nature of the gifts workflow and the high proportion of donated materials that do not ultimately make it into the library collection, the Libraries has prioritized staff time toward more strategic collection development efforts.
If the Libraries doesn’t accept donated materials, are there other mechanisms for developing library collections?
In their ongoing efforts to build library collections that support Western’s teaching and research mission, library personnel use their professional expertise to achieve positive collection development outcomes. To that end, the Libraries looks forward to working closely with colleagues across the university on potential acquisitions in alignment with our broader mission as a public comprehensive university. We encourage faculty, staff, and students to communicate their needs to the appropriate
Subject Team - whether for access to a specific title, expanding a given subject area, or filling in gaps in the collection. Based upon our knowledge of the library collections landscape, we will utilize best practices and draw from available resources to acquire and provide access to library materials. These strategies may include purchase, subscription, or the interlibrary loan of items deemed important to our users. If you have any questions about the Libraries’ acquisitions strategies and processes, please contact the
Director of Collections or
Dean of Libraries.
I’ve donated materials to the Libraries before. How do I know if this counts as an “existing donor agreement”?
If someone in the library has spoken with you about ongoing or future donations but you are not sure whether that qualifies as an “existing donor agreement” as defined in the policy, contact the Dean of Libraries or Director of Collections.
What if I would like to drop off a few items?
Aside from our existing donor agreements and works created by alumni, current students, or current or retired faculty and staff, the Libraries does not accept donated items. Any items dropped off without prior arrangement will be placed in the Zoe’s Bookside Bagels “book swap” or recycled.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the Gift Policy?
For more information, contact the Dean of Libraries or Director of Collections.
Today:
Thank you for your interest in Western Libraries. The Libraries does not accept gifts for the circulating collection, except as outlined in our gift-in-kind policy and noted below. Donations may be accepted by Heritage Resources at the discretion of Heritage Resources personnel.