OSU Libraries is not able to accept donations of printed books, journals, and other materials. This policy reflects the need to repurpose library space to support individual and group study and is a result of the high cost of sorting, reviewing, and processing donated materials. Materials that are left that do not fall within policy exceptions will be directly sent to OSU Surplus.
There are three exceptions to this policy:
1. The OSU Libraries welcomes gifts of books written by OSU faculty that are not currently in our general collection. These books can be sent to the Director of Collections, Kerri Goergen-Doll, kerri.goergen-doll@oregonstate.edu.
2. As a selective library in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) we collect materials published by agencies within the federal government as determined by the distributed housing arrangement with three other libraries in Oregon. We will accept federal document materials within our range of the housing arrangement that are not currently in our collection. For further information contact the FDLP Coordinator, Brad Engelbert, brad.engelbert@oregonstate.edu.
3. As a core component of its mission, the Special Collections and Archives Research Center (SCARC) reviews potential donations of personal papers, university records, and other unique or rare materials for inclusion in SCARC’s holdings. SCARC will only accept donations coordinated by and given directly to a SCARC staff member. Materials attempted to be left with the library's main floor staff will not be accepted; they will be given directly to Surplus. See SCARC’s gift guidelines and policies or contact SCARC by email at scarc@oregonstate.edu.
Monetary Gifts
Although OSU Libraries does not accept unsolicited or anonymous material gifts for the general collection, monetary gifts are always welcome. If you are considering making a monetary gift, please visit Giving to OSU Libraries.
Other Options for Donating Books
If you are interested in donating your textbooks and other course materials, consider contacting the OSU Basic Needs Center (formerly the Human Services Resource Center).
Another option available to OSU employees and students is to donate books to OSU Surplus Property. Call 541-737-7347 or use the pickup request form.
Donation alternatives for community members unaffiliated with OSU include (not an exhaustive list):
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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