Gift of Library Materials

The University of California, San Diego Libraries welcome gifts of selected materials for the collections. Gifts enhance the existing collections of the UC San Diego Libraries and support the commitment of UC San Diego to excellence in research and instruction. Such gifts include personal research papers, datasets, letters, manuscripts, and other appropriate research materials. Outdated textbooks, popular books and magazines, vinyl sound recordings, reprints, commonly available journals, materials that duplicate what is already owned, and materials in poor condition are generally not accepted for the collections.

The UC San Diego Libraries encourage prospective donors, especially those interested in making sizeable donations of materials to first contact the appropriate library subject specialist or the office of the Associate University Librarian for Collection Services. In order to facilitate review, an inventory is always helpful and may be requested. To ensure maximum accessibility to the Libraries’ resources, donors are asked not to request restrictions on housing, access, processing, or related matters. The Libraries reserve the right to decline an offer of material that is already held in the collections or that does not meet collection needs.

Gifts of materials are accepted with the understanding that materials become the property of The Regents of the University of California. Materials that are not added to the Libraries' collections or that are not sent to another University of California campus are normally sent to UCSD Surplus Sales, in compliance with University of California policy. Proceeds from sales serve as a source of funds for the Libraries.

Valuation of Gifts

The appraisal of a gift to the Libraries for income tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor. Federal tax regulations prohibit the UC San Diego Libraries from giving appraisals or estimates of value. The UC San Diego Libraries can, however, provide a list of qualified appraisers upon request. Occasionally, donated materials require appraisal information and related IRS forms. Donors are encouraged to consult a knowledgeable tax expert about current requirements. Gifts will be acknowledged upon request.

Questions about donations to the collections should be directed to Martha Hruska, Associate University Librarian for Collection Services, (858) 534-1235 or via email.