Gift and Donation Policy
If you are interested in providing Metro State University’s Library and Learning Center with a gift or donation, please complete the Library Donation Form.
The Library may accept donations of library materials and monetary gifts designated for the purchase of library materials in accordance with the following criteria.
1. Donations of library materials are only accepted from current university students, faculty, staff, and emeriti.
2. All donations must be accompanied by a complete title list compiled by the donor.
3. Materials received as gifts, whether print, audiovisual, software etc., will be evaluated by the same standards that apply to new materials being selected, consistent with the Library’s collection development policy. All gifts received should contribute to the mission of the university and relate to the curriculum.
4. Since Metro State University does not intend to develop a comprehensive, retrospective print collection, items with a publication date more than ten years in the past will only be added to the collection if the items are essential in their discipline. For similar reasons, we do not add journal or magazine issues, items that are in a dated format (VHS tapes, LPs, etc.), duplicate items, or textbooks.
5. All donated materials are within Metro State University Library’s jurisdiction for decision on adding to our collection, or being discarded in any way that library determines is appropriate. Items that are not added to the library’s collection may be sold or recycled, but in most cases will be donated to the organization Better World Books.
6. The University Foundation will provide donors with a letter acknowledging their donation and stating the approximate number of items donated. The donor must prepare a complete list of all titles with each donation, whether or not the donor wants acknowledgement. Any appraisals of gift materials are the responsibility of the donor. The library cannot legally provide an appraisal or estimate of the value of the donated material.
7. The library will not accept gifts with conditions as to their disposition and location. Gifts of archival significance require conversation with the library dean.
8. The donor is responsible for delivering the items to the library.
9. Persons who are considering donating library materials of significant value, i.e. more than $500 or more than 40 items, are required to contact the library dean for discussion. In particular, retiring faculty must meet with the library dean prior to donating very large collections.
If you wish to discuss a potential donation or have questions about this policy, please contact the library at library.services@metrostate.edu.
Policy Created: October 2010
Last Revised: January 2025