Gifts for the Georgetown University Library
Gifts Program and Criteria
Donations of scholarly materials that enhance the instructional and research needs of the Georgetown University community are welcome and encouraged. The Library will consider with enthusiasm all offers of books, manuscripts or other recorded thought that fall within the Library's collecting policy. The University has benefited greatly from the many generous donations which have contributed to its important research collection. These gifts are essential to the continued development of regular stack material, but in particular to our special collections.
The Library accepts gifts with the aim of enriching research and special collections, graduate and undergraduate studies. The primary purpose is to acquire materials that will be added directly to its collections.
Conditions
Gifts are accepted with the understanding that the Library will dispose of anything not needed for the collection. Items that do not fall within the scope of the Georgetown University Library are frequently sent to other libraries in need or sold at the Library's book sales, which provide revenue for the acquisition of Library material. Written acknowledgment is available which will list the number of items donated, but not each title.
Tax Deductions and Appraisals
The Library adheres to the provisions and implications of current U.S. tax regulations. Library staff members cannot appraise gifts for the tax purposes of the donor. This is the responsibility of the donor; the fee for professional appraisals is tax deductible. The Library will provide a list of appraisers, should the donor desire.
Gifts for the Georgetown University Art Collection
Support for the University Art Collection is welcome and encouraged with the intention of developing the intellectual endeavors of the University in the fine arts field. The Library wishes to develop an appreciation of its collections along with an awareness of the accompanying preservation responsibilities. Acceptable art material is that which will enhance the existing collections or add to the scholarly pursuits of the University. All gifts will be considered by the Library with this goal in mind.
Those not familiar with the University Art Collection may wish to visit its website. The paintings and decorative art owned by the University are almost exclusively the result of charitable giving, and the growth of the collection must rely on the continued generosity of donors. This type of giving may take many forms, but generally the following are most prevalent and desirable:
Paintings
The existing collection is small but quite significant, with a concentration in Baroque art and in portraiture. We are actively seeking donations which will bring depth to our American and European 19th– and 20th–century holdings, but quality works from all periods are welcome.
Fine Prints
The current collection is very important, significant in size and concentrates on American late 19th– and 20th–century works. We continue to expand this outstanding collection.
Objects of art
Highlights from the collection include 17th–century church silver and ceramics from Asia and America. We welcome objects in good condition with some historical significance.
Bequests
Designating the Library's Special Collections as a beneficiary of your will can be a meaningful way to support the growth of the University's teaching and educational collections. Charitable bequests are an important part of estate planning and can enable many donors to make a more significant gift than they are able to do outright. By making a gift through your will, you can have a lasting impact on future generations. A donation of this type can also be a unique way of honoring friends, family, and special individuals.
Tax Deductions and Appraisals
Georgetown University is a 501(c)3 charitable educational organization, and as such, all noncash contributions are tax deductible. For specific details on tax regulations governing charitable contributions, consult IRS Publication 526. As stated in this document, to claim gifts valued over $5,000, the donor must obtain a third party appraisal. While the Library will acknowledge gifts in the form of an official letter, for ethical reasons we are not permitted to provide an appraisal. In most cases we can recommend appraisers in the area, or you may wish to consult the American Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America, or the International Society of Appraisers.
Contact Information
Regarding gifts of general and circulating materials please contact Ryan Johnson, Head of Research Services.
Regarding gifts of rare books/manuscripts/primary source materials please contact Keith Gorman, Director, Booth Family Center for Special Collections.
Regarding gifts to the University Art Collection please contact LuLen Walker, Art Collection Curator.