Dalhousie Libraries Gift Policy
Preamble
The Dalhousie University Libraries welcome gifts of print, manuscript, digital or electronic material, and other “gifts-in-kind” that enrich and enhance existing collections and support the instructional and research programs of the University, or deserve consideration because of uniqueness, importance or intrinsic value.
The Libraries reserve the right to accept or reject gifts-in-kind. Gifts should meet the criteria described in the Libraries’ collection development policies. Any restrictions or exceptional terms attached to a donation must be specified at the time of the initial offer. Gifts are accepted on the understanding that upon receipt, the material becomes the property of the University. The Libraries also reserve the right to determine the final disposition of gift material. Duplicate or unwanted material may be sold and the income used to purchase items that will enhance the Libraries’ collections or services, or may be given away or discarded.
Unsolicited Material
The Libraries reserve as their exclusive right all decisions regarding the acceptance or rejection of unsolicited material. In the absence of direction from the donor, the Libraries claim ownership of such material and will dispose of it in the most appropriate manner.
Lists
The Libraries will often request a descriptive list of the material being offered, especially in cases where distance makes first-hand examination of the items impractical.
Appraisals and Tax Receipts
A formal appraisal and corresponding receipt for income tax purposes may be arranged with the Libraries. Only those items being retained by the Libraries will be appraised in this manner. Normally, an estimate provided by the Libraries is acceptable to Canada Revenue Agency as the “fair market value” of the donated material. Canada Revenue Agency requires external appraisals for items or collections likely to be worth more than $1,000. Where possible, donations can be divided into smaller lots in order to facilitate an internal appraisal. Where a donor specifically requests an external appraisal, it normally will be carried out at the donor’s expense. The appraiser must be acceptable to both the Libraries and the donor.
Canada Revenue Agency guidelines specify that the receipt must be issued for the tax year based on the “gift date” (the day Dalhousie takes possession of the material). The Libraries will require a reasonable amount of time in order to carry out a proper evaluation of any donated material.
Book Plates
A book plate may be inserted into a gift item in recognition of the donor’s contribution.
Electronic Material
It is the responsibility of those making a gift of electronic resources to abide by all licensing, copyright or public performance regulations and restrictions attached to such items.
Monetary Gifts
The Libraries accept monetary gifts for the purchase of material and to support special projects and initiatives. Individual, corporate and foundation funding is actively sought to build infrastructure and support the acquisition of material that will enable the Libraries to more fully serve the needs of all users. A receipt for income tax purposes is provided.
To inquire about monetary donations to support the acquisition of library materials:
Killam, Kellogg or Sexton Libraries: contact Ben McIsaac, Development Officer, Office of External Relations.
Email: Ben.McIsaac@Dal.Ca
Phone: (902) 494-1790
Law Library: contact Diane Chisholm, Development Officer, Faculty of Law.
Email: diane.chisholm@Dal.Ca
Phone: (902) 494-5112
More information is available on the Give Back To Dal website.
Library & University Contacts
If you wish to inquire about making a donation of print, manuscript, digital or electronic material, or other “gifts-in-kind” material, please contact one of the people listed below:
To find out more about general policies regarding gifts, or for books and other materials in the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, physical and applied sciences, contact Ian Colford, Assistant University Librarian, Collections Development.
Email: Ian.Colford@Dal.Ca
Phone: (902) 494-3687
For books and other materials on health sciences, contact Patrick Ellis, Health Sciences Librarian.
Email: Patrick.Ellis@Dal.Ca
Phone: (902) 494-1669
For law materials, contact Linda Aiken, Assistant Law Librarian & Head of Acquisitions.
Email: Linda.Aiken@Dal.Ca
Phone: (902) 494-7145
For architecture, design and engineering materials, contact Helen Powell, Design & Technology Librarian.
Email: Helen.Powell@Dal.Ca
Phone: (902) 494-3285
For music materials (recordings and scores), and rare printed materials, contact Karen Smith, Special Collections Librarian.
Email: K.E.M.Smith@Dal.Ca
Phone: (902) 494-8803
For archival materials, please contact the University Archivist, Michael Moosberger.
Email: Michael.Moosberger@Dal.Ca
Phone: (902) 494-5176
Dalhousie faculty and alumni are invited to discuss with the University Archivist the donation of their papers and the manuscripts of their works. More information is available on the University Archives & Special Collections Donor Information and Records Transfer webpage.
