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Waidner-Spahr Library

Collections Guidelines: Gifts

Gift Giving Guidelines

The Waidner-Spahr Library appreciates financial and in-kind gifts that support our mission and are in keeping with the guidelines on this page.  Please review carefully, as our guidelines changed in June 2020.

Book Donation Guidelines

The library accepts donation of NEW copies of books authored by current Dickinson faculty, staff, students, and alumni. 

The library does NOT accept donations of other new or used books, journal issues or media. 

Exceptions are sometimes made for DVDs and CDs that are appropriate for direct support of the current curriculum, following prior consultation with the Associate Director for Library Resources & Administration.

See the separate section on this page regarding materials that are rare or unique.

Questions may be sent to ask@dickinson.libanswers.com

updated 6/9/2020

Some Options for Disposing of Used Books & Magazines

  • The Friends of Bosler Memorial Library in Carlisle, PA accepts some items for sale in their used book store "The Bookery".  Please check their policy regarding donations at: http://www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/BOS_Bookery
  • Check with bookstores that specialize in used book sales regarding their individual policies.
  • Better World Books maintains book donation dropboxes in various places.  See their website for dropbox locations and policy on what they accept:   http://www.betterworldbooks.com/go/donate
  • “Glossy” publications only (magazines, catalogues, and annual reports) can be placed in collection bins to benefit the Ronald McDonald House charities of Central Pennsylvania. Details and location of bins are at:  https://www.rmhc-centralpa.org/recycling-programs/
  • Books that are well-worn, dusty, musty, heavily underlined, highlighted or annotated are typically only suitable for recycling and should be disposed of accordingly.

Financial Contributions

Financial contributions support the purchase of Library materials.

To give online, please visit this Dickinson College gift page, choose “Other” from the Designation drop down menu, and type in “Friends of the Library” below in the Comments section.

To give by mail, please send a check (made payable to Friends of the Dickinson College Library) to: 

Dickinson College
Friends of the Library
P.O. Box 1773
Carlisle, PA 17013-2896

Email inquiries may be sent to archives@dickinson.edu. 

Donations of Rare & Unique Materials

Prospective donors of rare books, personal papers, photographs, artifacts, or other special materials will be referred to the College Archivist who will evaluate the appropriateness of the gift for addition to the Archives & Special Collections. Since the College Archives is a rich resource for our students as well as for the college community, we welcome publications and personal papers of college alumni and faculty, in addition to material relating to the College's history and the local community. Email inquiries may be sent to archives@dickinson.edu.

Acknowledgment and Receipts for Gifts

Monetary appraisals and/or appraisal fees for gifts of materials to the Library are the responsibility of the donor. Any donors wishing to receive a gift receipt from the College must provide the Library with an original copy of an appraisal report or receipts of purchase.