Gifts and donations are important to the vitality of Special Collections and University Archives and its mission to support the research, teaching, and service aspects of this land grant university. The department accepts gifts that will enhance existing collections, contribute to original scholarship conducted by the university community, and further develop the richness of resources used by the University Libraries' patrons. The department reserves the right to accept donations without restrictions, to turn away gifts prior to donation, and to dispose appropriately of materials that, after receipt, are deemed unsuitable to the collection.
For more information on giving to Special Collections and University Archives, please contact us.
Special Collections and University Archives accepts materials in electronic, digital, paper-based, and other physical formats. We are committed to acquiring publications, manuscripts, and other materials related to these collecting areas that document the experience of underrepresented and/or marginalized communities, groups, or individuals.
Visit the Collections page to see the subjects and types of materials we typically collect.
Since the primary goal of Special Collections and University Archives is to provide access to our materials, staff members create online access to finding aids, collection descriptions, and digitized original source materials. Therefore, a donor who holds the copyright to original materials should assign non-exclusive rights to the Virginia Tech University Libraries. Donors who are copyright holders include authors of letters, diaries, and manuscripts; photographers and artists; performers and composers; and others.
Submit the Deed of Gift (DOCX or PDF) to make a donation. If your donation includes electronic or digital resources, please also submit the Addenda for Electronic Records (DOCX or PDF). Note: We have also translated our deed of gift form into Spanish. This version of the form is available for download in docx and pdf.
If you previously submitted a deed and would like to make a change, please submit the Addenda for Changing Existing Deed (DOCX or PDF).
Gifts to Special Collections and University Archives are considered charitable donations and under current tax laws deductions for charitable donations exceeding $5,000 require a formal appraisal which must be secured by the donor. The value of a gift should be determined prior to its donation and is the responsibility of the donor.
Pertinent information is available in IRS publications, and an appraiser may also be able to offer more guidance concerning tax regulations.
According to IRS guidelines, library employees may not appraise gifts to be donated to Virginia Tech University Libraries, so donors wishing to receive an appraisal need to find an independent appraiser themselves.
To find a qualified appraiser, visit the American Society of Appraisers or Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America.
Select a qualified appraiser with expertise on the subject or type of collection you are having appraised. The appraiser should be recognized by the IRS as a professional appraiser. Take precautions, such as checking qualifications and fees, before any work is undertaken by an appraiser. An appraiser may also be able to offer more guidance concerning tax regulations.
Because of the unique nature of materials housed in Special Collections and University Archives, financial support is important for storage and preservation, hiring student employees to aid in arrangement and description, and shipping materials to Special Collections and University Archives, among other vital operations.
For more information on giving to Special Collections and University Archives, please contact us.
Special Collections and University Archives accepts cash and checks when patrons are visiting us. Patrons can also mail checks to the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. All checks should be made out to “Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc.” and in the note field designate the donation to “Special Collections and University Archives Operating Fund.”
For mailing address and other information on mailing donations, visit the Giving to VT website.
Financial donations may also be made online using the Giving to VT online donation form: