Donations Policy
(Policy as approved by the Indiana Library and Historical Board on June 10, 2011)
The Indiana State Library acknowledges the great importance of gifts and donations to the Library’s operations and to its future development. The Library gratefully accepts gifts and contributions for the development of its collections, programs, and services. Modest gifts are much appreciated, as are bequests, endowments, and larger contributions.
Any restrictions on gifts, including endowment funds, must be submitted in writing to the State Library and Historical Board and must be approved by the majority of the Board before such gifts can be accepted.
Prior to making any donation, please contact:
Indiana State Library
140 N. Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Attn: Gift/Donation Coordinator
PH: (317) 232-3675
donations@library.in.gov
Types of Gifts the Library May Accept:
Monetary Donations; Bequests/Devises; Endowments
The Board may, at its discretion, transfer private funding, gifts, donations, bequests, devises, and contributions intended for the Library to the foundation established under I.C. 4-23-7.1-42.
Personal & Real Property
Gifts of real property can only be accepted with consent of the majority of the State Library and Historical Board.
Gifts of personal property, such as art, portraits, antiques, collectibles, equipment, and other items may be accepted at the discretion of the Library Director or the Library and Historical Board.
Gifts of real and/or personal property are accepted with the understanding that the item may be sold, given away, or otherwise disposed of at the discretion of the State Library and Historical Board. Any proceeds derived from such disposal may be used by the Library in a manner the Library deems most beneficial to its growth and development.
Library Materials
The Library welcomes library materials (books, periodicals, microform, manuscripts, etc.) for addition to its collection. Gifts of materials are accepted with the understanding that the Library reserves the right to determine whether the material should be added to the collection based on the Library’s Collection Development Policy. If materials are accepted but not added to the collection, the Library will exercise the right to offer them to another library or otherwise dispose of the item(s). Items will not be returned to the donor
Evaluation of gifts for inclusion in the collection will include consideration of the physical condition and content of the material and the cost to the Library in cataloging, maintaining, and preserving the materials. Any items added to the collection will be re-evaluated in the future on the same basis as purchased items.
Ownership:
Gifts given to the Library become the sole property of the Library. The donor will be required to fill out a donation form relinquishing all ownership rights to materials and other donated personal property. The Library will not return materials which are not added to the collection.
Tax Considerations:
Gifts made to the Library may be tax deductible. Once a gift of real or personal property is accepted, the Library may not be able to accommodate an appraisal. Thus, if you are considering a tax deduction and you wish to have your gift appraised, you should do so prior to making the donation. The Library will not perform appraisals for tax, inheritance, or other purposes. Acceptance of a gift which has been appraised by a disinterested party does not in any way imply endorsement of the appraisal by the Library.
Acknowledgement of Gifts:
The Library may formally acknowledge the donor’s gift with a gift receipt or letter. However, any gift receipt or letter of acknowledgement will not include a statement of value for non-monetary gifts. If the donor wishes to have a list of items referenced in the acknowledgement, the donor should provide that list to the Library for attachment or inclusion in the acknowledgement letter. Public acknowledgement of gifts is at the discretion of the Library.
