Duke University Libraries is not accepting gifts of books or other materials for the general collection while we review policies and workflows.
Updated July 2023
General collections gifts
In order to ensure our practices are sustainable and to direct resources to achieving our current collection development goals, we are not accepting gifts of materials for the general collection at this time. Revised acceptance guidelines will be posted here when they are available. We’re grateful for patrons’ interest in placing materials with us.
Special collections gifts
Potential gifts of rare and unique materials will be reviewed by curators in the Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. See Donating Materials to the Rubenstein Library for more information.
Alternatives for gift materials
Consider donating your books to a public library or community organization, such as Durham County Library, Better World Books, Prison Books Collective, or Book Harvest NC. You may also wish to sell books through a local or online bookstore, such as Powell’s. The American Library Association has additional suggestions.
Financial gifts
Donors make an enormous impact on the Libraries. Learn more about ways you can support our work.
Contact information
Candice Brown is the primary point of contact for general collections gifts. Additional contacts, including at the Duke professional school libraries, are listed on the Gifts-in-Kind Contact Information page.
Tax information for previous donors
Donors may be entitled to an income tax deduction under United States Internal Revenue Service regulations. Duke University Libraries will provide appropriate acknowledgment of gifts. However, University policy prevents us from supplying appraisals to donors or including the dollar value of the gift in the acknowledgment. When relevant, Duke’s Alumni & Development Records office will sign IRS Form 8283 and send an official receipt.