Library Donations

Overview

Donations are one means of developing the library collection. Cardinal Stritch University welcomes and actively solicits gifts when they support the teaching, research and other needs of the University. The Library is particularly interested in materials which will enhance the strength of the existing collection and support the instructional and research programs of the University.

All donations are accepted with the understanding that the Library becomes the owner of the material and, as such, reserves the right to determine retention, location, cataloging treatment, and other considerations relating to use or disposition. (The term "use" includes possible digitization of materials). If a donation is declined, potential alternatives or institutions will be suggested whenever possible. Items not added to the collection may be used in exchange programs with other libraries, or donated to other groups and/or charities as the Library sees fit. If donor chooses to keep certain items not included in the collection, this should be indicated on donation form.

 

Items Not Accepted


  • Outdated textbooks, books, or materials in poor condition (including underlining/highlighting)
  • Duplicate copies of most materials library already owns
  • Popular magazines and other similarly inappropriate materials

Offers of journals will only be accepted after the need for the journal has been established. Paperbacks and popular fiction will be evaluated on a gift by gift basis.

Appraisal

The Library will not appraise any donation. Any appraisal of a donation to the Library for income tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor. Donors can use the Internal Revenue Service Pamphlet 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property as a guide. A summary of the appraisal must accompany the donation.

How to make a Donation

Anyone interested in donating materials should contact Dyan Barbeau at 414-410-4118 or via email at debarbeau@stritch.edu. Materials may be dropped off at the library during our hours of operation. A librarian will discuss and/or examine the material(s) with the donor and indicate whether or not the gift would be appropriate for the Library. The potential donor can fill out a donation form in person or online.

The Library will ordinarily accept all gifts offered by faculty members at Cardinal Stritch University. The same restrictions as to retention and addition to the collection outlined above apply to faculty gifts.

The Library will retain a copy of the donation/gift paperwork/inventory.

Donation Acknowledgement

Donors may request a letter of acknowledgement for their gift. Acknowledgement letters will come from the University Advancement Office, not the Library. If the donor indicates a letter of acknowledgement is desired, the Library will provide the relevant information to the Advancement Office and it will send a letter of acknowledgement to the donor.

Donated materials are not routinely book plated. Exceptions are: memorial gifts, selected special collections and materials judged appropriate by the librarians.

Unsolicited Donations

Donations that are delivered without prior arrangement with the library or the Shipping/Maintenance Department are processed in the following manner:

  • Donor's name and address are recorded.
  • Cartons are marked with donor's name and date of receipt.
  • Donor is contacted by the Library.
  • Donations arriving by mail: unsolicited materials arriving via the mail will be evaluated by a librarian.