The University of Iowa Hardin Library for the Health Sciences seeks appropriate library materials to enrich the collections. Gifts to the Library benefit students and researchers at the University. All donations are reviewed by the Information Resources Department before selection to the collection. Please be aware that all gifts are accepted with the understanding that upon receipt the material becomes the property of the University of Iowa. The Library reserves the right to determine the disposition of all gifts, including the right to give away or discard items that do not fit our needs.
- What gifts are appropriate?
- How to make a donation
- Valuation of gifts
- Letter of acknowledgement
- Income tax information
- General donations to the University Libraries
What Gift Materials Are Appropriate?
The Hardin Library encourages donations of books, journals, manuscripts, and other materials for the collections. Popular magazines and materials in poor condition are generally not accepted. Scholarly materials including books, manuscripts, recordings, videos and journals are encouraged. If you have journals to donate we ask that you contact us first to see if we are in need of the titles you have to offer. For donations of less than 20 items you may bring them to Hardin Library’s circulation desk. If you have more than 20 items to give, we ask that you contact Janna Lawrence at (319) 335-9870 first.
For donations of less than 20 items you may bring them to Hardin Library’s circulation desk. If you have more than 20 items, we ask that you contact Janna Lawrence at (319) 335-9870 first.
Gifts of materials to the University Library are generally tax-deductible in compliance with IRS guidelines. Present federal tax regulations prohibit the Library from giving appraisals or estimations of value of donations. It is the responsibility of the donor to obtain valuations of their gifts. For gifts that may be valued at $5000 or more, a certified appraisal must accompany the gift. There are many resources on the web for out-of-print and rare books, appraisals and determining the value of your donation. Search Google.com for “out of print book dealers” and you will find plenty!
You may request a receipt to be filled out at the time of your donation. The receipt will indicate your name, the date of the donation and the number of items donated only. If you would like itemized documentation of your gift we ask that you provide the list of titles you have donated.
Charitable Contributions and Income Tax Deductions
For specific questions regarding donations, donors should contact the IRS or a tax expert. In general, fair market value of a gift-in-kind is deductible. A donation within a tax year valued at $250 or more requires a written acknowledgement of receipt. The IRS Form 8283 must be filed with your taxes if you are claiming a deduction over $500 for all contributed property. The IRS Publications 526 (Charitable Contributions) and 561 (Determining the Value of Donated Property) may help answer questions you have about regulations governing non-cash charitable contributions. Go to the IRS forms and publications page to obtain these forms.
General Donations to the University Library
If you would like to donate materials that are not health science related, please contact the Main Library Gifts Unit, phone: (319) 335-5877. Also visit their web site for more information.