Donations Policy

QA804 Donations Policy

Temporary Change of Policy

In August 2019, it was announced that the University of Galway secured funding under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructural Fund to redevelop the James Hardiman Library. In preparation for such a redevelopment, we have a considerable body of work in hand to reimagine library space and to develop and implement strategies in the place of physical book collections within such a space.

As part of this work, we will be reviewing our entire physical collection and therefore we will not be in a position to accept any offers of donations for an indefinite period. We greatly appreciate the generosity of those who have donated collections to us and will welcome donations once again in the future. We hope you understand that for the next while we direct all our energy and focus on ensuring we maximise the opportunity of the funding award to create a truly great space for our future students and researchers.

Donations Policy

The Library welcomes donations and we are extremely grateful to those who have made donations or bequests to us in the past, thereby greatly enhancing our collections.

It is important to note that due to restrictions of space, storage and staff resources it is not possible for us to accept all donations. We therefore apply the same selection policy to donations as we do to all other acquisitions.

Consideration will be given to the condition and format of donations, as well as overlap with existing stock. Relevance to the teaching and research mission of the University are also important factors. On occasion, regrettably, donations may have to be declined where they do not meet the selection criteria. Donations that do not meet the selection criteria will not be added to stock, and will be:

• Returned to the donor on request
• Donated to Better World Books (which raises money for worldwide literacy initiative

Please note that a separate policy governs the donation of Archival material. Please consult that policy if you wish to donate archival material to the Library.

Download PDF copy of the policy: QA804 Donations Policy‌‌