Non-Cash Gift Policy

Harold and Wilma Good Library accepts books, journals and other resource materials that support the teaching and research objectives of Goshen College. Because student and faculty interests are diverse, the library can make good use of gifts in many subject fields. We do, however, reserve the right to dispose of unneeded gift materials by selling, trading or recycling them.

Donors offering books of Anabaptist-Mennonite (including Amish, etc.) interest may contact the Mennonite Historical Library (MHL), at 535-7421. The MHL generally handles materials of genealogical or local historical interest as well.

Good Library welcomes monetary gifts to support its services, collections and facilities. For further information, contact the Development Office at 574-535-7558.

Terms of Acceptance

Librarians determine whether or not to accept donated material, with the proviso that items not needed by Good Library may be returned to the donor or disposed of at a later date. Gifts added to the Library's general collection must meet the same criteria as materials selected for purchase, which include the following:
  • Supporting the current and evolving undergraduate curriculum
  • Supporting the basic research needs of faculty and students
  • Maintaining selected older collections of depth (e.g. Peace Collection)
Even "free" materials take time to evaluate, sort, catalog and label. Consequently, we may decline gifts for any of the following reasons:
  • Outdated content
  • Inappropriate academic level or subject focus
  • Duplication of existing library resources
  • Poor physical condition (generally, we discourage the donation of paperbacks due to rapid deterioration)
  • Costly storage requirements
  • Unworkable donor restrictions
Rare and collectible items may be accepted with the understanding that they may be held in a secure, inaccessible area until a handling decision is made.

All gift materials are cataloged and shelved in the appropriate subject classification. The library cannot maintain separate named collections. Bookplates indicating the donor's name may be affixed to the inside front cover of gift materials.

Upon acceptance, all gift materials become the property of Good Library.

Donation Instructions

Gifts of ten or fewer items may be brought or mailed to Good Library, at the following address:

Liaison Librarian
Harold and Wilma Good Library
Goshen College
1700 S. Main Street
Goshen IN 46526

For gifts of more than ten items, we ask that the donor submit a printed list of titles, authors, and publication dates before sending or bringing the materials to Good Library. The liaison librarian will evaluate the potential gifts and contact the donor regarding acceptance of all or selected items.

The library does not offer pick-up service.

Current and retiring Goshen College faculty: Please contact your department's liaison librarian for special arrangements concerning the donation of office and professional collections.

Appraisal and Acknowledgement

Material gifts to Good Library are considered non-cash charitable donations. The donor is responsible for estimating values or arranging a professional appraisal before the gift is made. Because the Internal Revenue Service regards the college as an interested party, Good Library cannot provide appraisals. Donors may want to consult IRS Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property, for additional guidance.

We will send a letter of acknowledgement to each donor. Since deductions apply only to items actually added to the library's collection, we will include a list of which items have been retained in Good Library. Good Library reserves the right to dispose of unwanted material in the most appropriate way.


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Updated 22-Aug-2007 SWH