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Making A Gift

Appraisal & Valuation

 

 

Donating to Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Many of the Rubenstein Library's rare and unique materials have been received as gifts, and we welcome inquiries from individuals or organizations interested in adding to the library's holdings.

After you submit your inquiry: 

  • Rubenstein Library staff will forward your message to one of our curators for review.
  • Our curators may ask for additional information about the content, condition or ownership of the materials you are offering to determine whether the materials are appropriate for our collections.
  • If the materials are appropriate for our collections, we will draft a gift agreement transferring ownership of the materials to the Rubenstein Library.  Materials normally will not be accepted on deposit or on loan.  Disposition of unsolicited materials sent to the Rubenstein Library that are not appropriate for the collections will be at the discretion of library staff in accordance with standard procedures. 
  • You may be entitled to take an income tax charitable deduction for your gift of rare materials. You may need to file an IRS Form 8283 with your tax return and commission a qualified appraisal. See the sidebar for links to qualified appraisers who can appraise materials for a fee. You are strongly urged to consult with your personal tax advisor or legal counsel with regard to any tax-related issues. 
  • Copyright for writings and other original creative material (such as photographs or music) belongs to the creator, or his or her heirs, but may be legally transferred. 

Donating Duke Office & Organization Materials

If you are a Duke student who would like to donate your organization's records or a faculty or staff member interested in donating office records to the University Archives, you can get in touch with them directly