Gift Policy

Gifts to the Sidney Silverman Library of Bergen Community College are welcome. To ensure the effective use of gift items, donations must meet the library's collection goals and the following guidelines:

Books and Media

1. Donations should be listed by title/author and submitted to the collection development librarian prior to the donation. The collection development librarian will consult with the subject area specialist who will verify the library's holdings and the suitability of the materials to the library's collection.

2. The collection development librarian will contact and advise the donor.

3. Books must be intact and the pages free of writing, or other physical damage including mildew.

Periodicals

1. Donations should be listed by title/date and the list should be submitted to the serials librarian prior to the donation.

2. Periodical gifts are accepted only if they fill gaps in our collection. We do not add back issues unless we are currently subscribing to the periodical.

General Guidelines

1. The library does not provide collection or transportation of donations.

2. The library does not provide appraisals of donations.

3. Library staff will choose the best option for materials not added to the collection (including donation to students, donation to other libraries, disposal.) Materials will not be returned to the donor.

4. Unsolicited material, free publications and donations left without prior consultation will be added to the collection or disposed of at the staff's discretion.

5. Written acknowledgement of gifts will be provided. Letters of acknowledgement will not be sent for unsolicited gifts and donations left without prior consultation.

6. The library may refuse any gift that does not contribute to the mission and purpose of the library.

Specific Procedures

1. Letters of acknowledgement will be supplied after the collection development librarian, subject liaison or serials librarian supplies the following information in writing:

Name of donor

Home address of donor

Date of donation

Number of books (if under three, list titles).

The number of books reflects the entire gift, not just those added to the collection.

2. Written information should be placed in a labeled folder on the desk of the technical services person designated to type acknowledgements.

3. A letter of acknowledgement will be sent to the donor and copies will go to the subject liaison or serials librarian and the collection development librarian. An additional copy will be filed in technical services.

4. If gifts are given in memory or to honor someone, bookplates may be placed in the books.