Acquisitions Policy for Gifts

NOTE: The library is currently not accepting donations of books to the general collections without prior approval from the Head of Collections and Systems.

Williams Libraries appreciates and accepts gifts of books and other materials that enhance and deepen our collections and support the current curriculum. We may decline to accept those items which are not within the scope of our collections or that duplicate existing material.  Physical items which require extensive preservation may also be declined.

Any donation of materials is accepted with the understanding that items that do not meet our collection criteria may be sent to other libraries in need or offered to a used book dealer or to Better World Books.

If an appraisal is required for income tax purposes, arrangements for and costs associated with the appraisal are the sole responsibility of the donor. Donors are encouraged to discuss their donations and appraisals with their attorneys or tax advisers.

Please contact Chris Blackman, Head of Collections and Systems, with inquiries about donating materials to Williams Libraries.

Questions regarding the donation of archival materials and manuscript collections to the College Archives may be directed to the College Archivist. The College Archives collection development policy describes the scope of our archival and special collections. The Chapin Library of Rare Books also maintains a gift policy.