Skip to Main Content

Gifts and Donations Policies

Information about how to donate to University Libraries, including gifts in kind, Books of Honor, and donor-supported collections.

Gift in Kind Policy

Murray State University Libraries logo                Gift in Kind Policy                                   

Gift in Kind Policy
Murray State University Libraries accept donations of materials that support the teaching and research needs of the University community.  

  • Gifts with limitations or restrictions will not be accepted. University Libraries are free to exercise all privileges of ownership of the materials and reserve the right to retain, sell or discard them. 
  • Donated items will be recognized, accepted, and may be tax-deductible. The patron will need to supply an itemized list and estimated values for those items beforehand. Questions about our Gift-in-Kind Policy can be directed to Candee Rose at 270.809.2187.

​Guidelines

Generally, the Libraries will accept material relevant to the Murray State University curriculum. Gifts must be in good condition and current (with the exception of rare or special books). The Libraries CANNOT accept the following items:

  • Textbooks
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Test prep materials
  • Workbooks
  • LPs
  • Video or audio cassettes
  • CD-ROMs
  • Software
  • Materials previously purchased from one of our book sales
  • Prior internal donations from the libraries to the department
  • Journals/Periodicals
  • Fiction novels with the exception of classic literature or popular contemporary literature
  • Duplicate copies of items already owned
  • Unsolicited materials from most organizations, or
  • Any material deemed not appropriate as outlined by our Collection Development Policies or decided by our Research & Instruction Librarians

Consistent with legal guidelines, Murray State University employees CANNOT make appraisals or valuations of materials for tax or other purposes and cannot accept a donation with a stipulation that a tax appraisal be included.