Donation Policy

                                        LIBRARY DONATION POLICY

(Based on Collection Development Policy Version 3, 2020)

The College of Media and Communication (CMC) Library welcomes donations that enrich its collection and support the academic and research needs of the CMC community. Given the specialized nature of the CMC Library, donations should align with its focus on media, communication, journalism, film, broadcasting, and related fields.

1. Acceptance: Proposed gifts of library materials are subject to acceptance by the Head Librarian, whose decision is based on the Library’s Collection Development Policy and the relevance of the materials to the CMC’s academic programs. Donations that significantly enhance existing strengths or address identified gaps in the collection will be prioritized.
   
   

2. Ownership and Disposition: Upon acceptance, all donated materials become the property of the CMC Library. The Library retains the right to determine the retention, location, organization, and disposition of donated items.
   
   

3. Non-Retention: Materials not retained for the CMC Library collection may be offered to other libraries, and educational institutions, or recycled, at the Library's discretion.
   
   

4. Collection Size and Special Handling: The CMC Library has limited storage capacity. Therefore, it generally does not accept large collections requiring separate housing, shelving, or extraordinary preservation treatment, unless the materials are of exceptional historical or research value and deemed appropriate for the Rare Book Collection or Archives. Prior consultation with the Head Librarian is strongly encouraged for potential donations of this nature.
   
   

5. Processing Time: The CMC Library will process and integrate accepted donations as efficiently as possible. Donors should understand that processing time may vary and the Library cannot guarantee a specific timeline.
   
   

6. Acknowledgment and Recognition: Bookplates acknowledging the donor will be placed in donated items. The Library will formally acknowledge the donation through a written communication to the donor.
   
   

7. Donation List: The Head Librarian’s acknowledgment letter will include a list of the titles received.
   
   

8. Materials Generally Not Accepted: Due to space constraints, collection focus, and preservation concerns, the following materials are generally not accepted:
   
   

• Photoduplicated or pirated materials. 

• Outdated or superseded editions, unless of significant historical value to media studies.

• Incomplete volumes of multi-volume sets or incomplete runs of periodicals, unless they specifically complement existing holdings. 

• Materials in poor or unusable condition (e.g., heavily highlighted, water-damaged, brittle). 

• Duplicate copies of materials already in the collection, unless additional copies are justified by high demand or pedagogical needs.

•  Unlicensed audiovisual materials, computer programs, electronic files, and digital media. 

•  Electronic resources designated for "personal use only" or requiring individual subscriptions. 

• Materials requiring obsolete equipment for access (e.g., Betamax tapes, laserdiscs), unless the Library possesses and maintains such equipment. 

• Materials falling outside the scope of media, communication, journalism, film, broadcasting, and related fields.
  
  

9. Expenses: The CMC Library is not responsible for any expenses associated with the delivery or transfer of donated materials, including but not limited to customs duties, shipping costs, and insurance.
   
   

10. Appraisal: The CMC Library does not provide appraisals of donated materials for tax or any other purposes. Donors seeking appraisals should consult with qualified professionals.
    
    

11. Prior Consultation: Donors are strongly encouraged to contact the CMC Library before submitting a donation to discuss the suitability of the materials and to arrange for delivery or transfer. This will help ensure that donations align with the Library’s collection development goals and avoid unnecessary handling of unsuitable items.