ACRL News Issue (B) of College & Research Libraries College & Research Libraries news No. 3, March 1973 ACRL News Issue (A) of College & Research Libraries, Vol. 34, No. 3 Statement on Appraisal of Gifts Developed by the Committee on Manuscripts praisal requires. Generally, however, the library Collections of the Rare Books and Manuscripts will limit its assistance to the donor to: (a) Section. Approved by the ACRL Board of Di­ providing him with information such as auction rectors on February 1, 1973, in Washington, records and dealers’ catalogs; (b ) suggestions D.C. This statement replaces the 1960 policy of appropriate professional appraisers who on appraisal (Antiquarian Bookman, v.26, De­ might be consulted; (c) administrative and cember 19, 1960, p. 2205). processing services which would assist the ap­ praiser in making an accurate evaluation. 1. The appraisal of a gift to a library for tax 4. The acceptance of a gift which has been purposes generally is the responsibility of the appraised by a third, and disinterested party, donor since it is the donor who benefits from does not in any way imply an endorsement of the tax deduction. Generally, the cost of the ap­ the appraisal by the library.praisal should be borne by the donor. 5. An archivist, curator, or librarian, if he is 2. The library should at all times protect the conscious that as an expert he may have to interests of its donors as best it can and should prove his competence in court, may properly suggest the desirability of appraisals whenever such a suggestion would be in order. act as an independent appraiser of library ma­ 3 To protect both its donors and itself, the terials. He should not in any way suggest that library, as an interested party, ordinarily should his appraisal is endorsed by his library (such not appraise gifts made to it. It is recognized, as by the use of the library’s letterhead), nor however, that on occasion the library may wish should he ordinarily act in this fashion (except to appraise small gifts, since many of them are when handling small gifts) if his institution is not worth the time and expense an outside ap­ to receive the donation. Statement on Legal Title Developed by the Committee on Manuscripts Collections of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section. Approved by the ACRL Board of Di­ rectors on February 1, 1973, in Washington, D.C. 1. Every library should acquire proper and legal title to all gifts of books, manuscripts, and other materials, which have significant mone­ tary value. It is recognized, however, (a) that it is often impossible to acquire title to collec­ tions many years after they have been received by the library; ( b ) that frequently, where small collections of materials are involved, the donor College & Research Libraries is published by the Association of College and Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, 17 times yearly—6 bimonthly Journal issues and II monthly, combining July- August, News issues at 1201-05 Bluff St., Fulton, Mo. 65251. Subscription, $15.00 a year or, to members of the division, $5.00, included in dues. Circulation and advertising office: American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, III. 60611. Second-class postage paid at Fulton, Missouri 65251. News editor: Allan Dyson, M o ffitt Undergraduate Library, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720. Associate News editor: Susana Hinojosa, Assistant Librarian, Reference Department, M offitt Undergraduate Library. Editor: Richard M. Dougherty, University Library, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720. President, ACRL: Russell Shank. Executive Secretary, ACRL: Beverly Lynch, ALA. 50 may not be certain exactly where title rests; and (c) that when single items or very small collections are involved, donors often do not wish to become involved in library gift proce­ dures. 2. Many libraries still accept temporary de­ posits. As a general principle, such gifts ordi­ narily should not be accepted unless (a) the library has reason to believe that a temporary deposit is the only way in which the material is likely to be preserved; or (b ) the library has reason to believe that a temporary deposit will in time be changed to a permanent gift; or ( c ) except where ownership of corporate records is governed by state and/or federal regulations. 3. Ordinarily transfer of legal title by gift is accomplished by a properly executed form, var­ iously described as “Instrument of Gift’’ or “Certificate of Gift.” This form should include the following: (a) name and address of the donor; (b ) description of the gift; (c) state­ ment of transfer of legal title, and where pos­ sible and applicable, copyrights and literary rights; (d ) any restrictions; (e) directions con­ cerning disposal of unwanted items. The form must be (1) signed and dated by the donor and (2) witnessed and dated by an­ other party who is neither related to the donor nor employed by the institution receiving the gift. An additional evidence of proof would be the notarization of the donor’s and witnesses’ signatures. (Reprints of the above statements are avail­ able from ACRL, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Single copies are free of charge. Multi­ ple copies are twenty cents ( 20©) each.) Statement of the American Library Association’s Policy on Federal Legislation Regarding College and Research Libraries Adopted by ALA Council ucational institutions benefit the nation by im­ January 26, 1973 proving the quality of higher education. The Washington, D.C. Higher Education Act has contributed immea­ surably to the improvement of higher education As a vital part of higher education, library by providing funds for library resources and fa­ resources and services must be strengthened cilities. and expanded to meet the increases in student enrollment and to support new and changing programs of instruction and research. Increased support of university, college, and junior col­ The Task Force on the Status of Wom­lege libraries must be a part of increased fund­ en in Librarianship is interested in ob­ing of higher education. Any federal legislation taining information on the placement ser­which stimulates new or expanded educational vices of the accredited graduate library programs should provide sufficient additional schools in the United States. At the be­funds to meet the library material and person­ ginning of January, a brief questionnaire nel needs required for the success of these pro­ was directed to the chief administrator grams. of each program. While replies will be Substantial financial aid is needed by li­ kept confidential, plans are being made braries in the nation’s developing institutions to tabulate the results. Persons wishing if they are to overcome the many years in a copy of the questionnaire (e.g. unac­which they received little or no financial aid to credited programs, Canadian, and other support their educational programs. At the schools) may direct requests to Helen same time, major research libraries of the coun­ Rippier Wheeler, Associate Professor, try need substantial financial aid if they are to School of Library Science, Louisiana continue to acquire the vast product of world­ State University, Baton Rouge, LA wide scholarship and make it available beyond 70803. The Task Force on the Status of their own academic communities. Women in Librarianship, Michelle Rudy, Funds for library materials and personnel, Coordinator, is a part of the Social Re­federal scholarships and loans, special grants, sponsibilities Round Table.research grants and contracts, assistance in building programs, and tax exemptions for ed­