Gifts-in-Kind Policy

The University Library welcomes gifts of books and other information resources that extend and complement existing collections. Historically, some of the Library's most unique and significant collections began with donations from individuals, and the Library built upon these gifts to develop depth, breadth, and currency.

Because of the high cost of storage and processing, the Library is unable to accept all donations. Materials that fall outside of the Library's collecting policy include:

• Textbooks
• Popular trade paperbacks
• Popular magazines
• Scattered or single issues of periodicals
• Materials in poor condition
• Titles the Library already owns (unless in high use or an otherwise special edition)
• Outdated titles

Conditions of Acceptance

Gifts are accepted with the understanding that they become the property of the University of Michigan upon receipt and that the Library may make all necessary decisions as to their retention, location, cataloging treatment, and other considerations relating to their use and disposition. The Library's intention in accepting gifts is that they be added to the collection, if needed. Therefore, every effort is made to accept only items appropriate for addition to the Library collection.  All gifts must be reviewed by an appropriate curator or subject specialist librarian prior to acceptance by the Library.  The Library encourages donors to provide a list of materials including the title or description and condition of the items.  Materials accepted but not added to the Library collections may be exchanged with other libraries throughout the world to obtain important materials otherwise unavailable, or sold, or disposed of through charitable organizations or other means.

Contacting the Library

Persons considering a gift of books to the University of Michigan Library should contact Harriet Teller to arrange review by a subject specialist librarian: (734) 615-4801 or LibraryDevelopment@umich.edu.  For general questions regarding the Library's collection policies, you may also contact Bryan Skib, Collection Development Officer: (734) 936-2366 or bskib@umich.edu.