Gift Policy

The Ames Library of Illinois Wesleyan University welcomes monetary gifts and donations of library materials that enhance existing collections and support the curricular needs and research interests of students and faculty.

All gifts are evaluated in terms of the goals of the library. The library reserves the right to decline offers which fall outside the scope of its Collection Development Policy. Textbooks, materials in poor condition, short or incomplete back runs of journals, mass-market paperbacks, obsolete formats, and duplicates of existing holdings are examples of library materials that we typically do not add to the collection. If it is necessary to decline a donation, alternative recipients will be suggested if possible. The Ames Library is committed to providing socially and environmentally responsible disposition of gift materials not needed for our collection through the Sustainable Shelves program at Baker & Taylor.

Once accepted, gift materials become the property of Illinois Wesleyan University and will be added to the collection or responsibly disposed of as deemed appropriate by The Ames Library. The University Librarian reserves the right to determine the retention, treatment, location and other considerations related to the use or disposition of all gifts-in-kind.

Donors are encouraged to discuss potential gifts, particularly of large collections, with the University Librarian before the donation is actually made. Issues concerning the appropriateness, transportation, disposition, appraisal, and processing of a gift should all be negotiated before a donor ships or delivers materials. All donors will need to fill out a Donor Record Form. Gifts and donations to The Ames Library may be appraised to determine appropriate contribution deductions. The transfer of University records, gifts of rare books, manuscripts, and material related to the history of Illinois Wesleyan University are welcome and will be referred to the University Archivist & Special Collections Librarian.

For more information, please contact Stephanie Davis-Kahl, University Librarian, 309-556-3010 or sdaviska@iwu.edu.

Illinois Wesleyan University
#1 Ames Plaza
PO Box 2899
Bloomington, Illinois 61702-2899