Gifts and Donations

Gifts & Donations

The resources of the University of Dallas Library have been developed over the years through purchase of materials and acceptance of many valuable and useful gifts. Donations have played a significant role in developing the size, depth and diversity of our resources.

Donations of Materials

In order to build a quality collection, it is the policy of the University of Dallas Library only to accept gifts with pre-approval of the Acquisitions Librarian and then without qualification or special restrictions, and with the understanding that upon receipt, all gift materials become property of the University of Dallas Library. The Library reserves the right to determine retention, location, cataloging treatment, and other considerations related to their use or disposition. Books that do not complement the library collection may be exchanged, sold or disposed. We regret that we are not able to notify donors of the final disposition of their gifts or return items not added to our collection.

Types of Gifts Accepted

The library accepts gifts of books and other materials that support the teaching and research programs of the University.  Examples of materials not accepted include:

• Titles the library already owns (unless in high use, or a newer or an otherwise special edition)

• Textbooks and workbooks

• Popular trade paperbacks

• Popular magazines

• Back issues or single issues of periodicals

• Serials subscriptions

• VHS recordings

• Audio recordings in any format

• Damaged and/or brittle materials

• Materials that may be affected by water, mildew or mold

• Materials heavily marked with pen, pencil, marker, or highlighter

• Materials discarded by other libraries

Archival Material 

The University Archives office accepts papers, photographs, and audio-visual materials pertaining to the University.   Please contact Zannah Buck at (971)721-5075 or sbuck@udallas.edu. Please write or call for inquiries.

Acknowledgement
Each gift to the University Library is acknowledged, unless the donor requests otherwise. Acknowledgments typically include the date of receipt, number and type of gift donated.

Donor Recognition
The Library will place a bookplate inscribed with the donor's name in each gift donated, if requested. Some donors prefer not to be publicly recognized. Please advise the Library of your preference when you offer your gift.

Tax Information & Appraisals
Usually a gift of books or other material will qualify as a deduction for income tax purposes. The donor is responsible for establishing the fair market value of an item given to the library. IRS regulations prohibit the library from providing appraisals of gifts. However, the library may provide reference assistance to donors in using standard sources related to evaluation of library materials, or suggest names of appraisers for donors to contact.

Gift Books Honoring a Friend or Relative
A gift of a minimum of $50.00 may be made in memory or in honor (birthday, anniversary) of a friend or relative. The volume purchased with the gift will have a bookplate indicating honoree and donor. A letter of acknowledgement is sent to the family or friend of the person in whose name the gift was made. Please furnish your name and address, full name of the person to be honored or memorialized, the general subject area of the book to be purchased, and the name and address of the family member(s) or friend(s) you wish to have notified of the donation.

Gift Department
For information on how you can make a gift of materials that will support the information and scholarly needs of our students, faculty, staff, please contact Austin Westervelt-Lutz, Assistant Vice President for Development via email or at 972-721-5148.

Monetary Donations

The Library greatly appreciates donations of funds in support of the Library's continued excellence. Your financial support of the Library contributes to the students and teaching mission at The University of Dallas. Whatever the amount, your generosity allows us to maintain and expand our collections and services.

Endowments
Benefactors can make lasting donations to the Cowan - Blakley Memorial Library by establishing collection endowments. The principal of the endowment remains intact, and a percentage of the earned income is used by the Library annually. You may name a collection endowment for yourself, or you may honor or memorialize a family member or friend. If requested, a bookplate is placed in all items acquired with an endowment's income. For more information and assistance creating an endowment, please visit the Office of Development and University Relations.

Monetary Gifts
For each gift of $50 or more, the library will place a bookplate in a newly purchased book (if requested). The Library welcomes monetary gifts to help support the purchase of online resources. Unrestricted gifts allow the staff of the Cowan - Blakley Memorial Library to utilize the funds in the area of greatest need.