General Donations Policy

Kornhauser Health Sciences Library (KHSL) accepts donations of books and related library materials, as well as manuscript collections and records documenting the history of the health sciences in the immediate area and western Kentucky, on a limited basis.

Items we can accept include:

• Books published within the last 5 years.
• Books published prior to 1950, but only if the donor provides a list that includes author, title, and publication year of the materials.
• Journals published prior to 1950, but only if the donor provides a list that includes title, volumes, and years.
  • The lists will be reviewed by library personnel and only items deemed vital to our mission will be added to our collections.
  • KHSL reserves the right to dispose of any materials not needed for the collection.

Items we cannot accept include:

• Textbooks
• Popular or abridged versions of books.
• Journals or magazines, 1950 to present.

By law, KHSL cannot appraise gifts.

• All appraisals of gifts are the responsibility of the donor and must be arranged and paid for by the donor.
• Acceptance of a gift that has been appraised by a third, disinterested party does not imply endorsement of such appraisal by KHSL.
• IRS Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions) spells out requirements for appraisals. The donor is encouraged to consult with his/her tax advisor on the value of donated material and what can be claimed legally.

University Libraries' policy prohibits the acceptance of conditional or restrictive donations. These include gifts which:

• Limit general access to patrons
• Stipulate frequent or perpetual exhibition to identify the donor
• inhibit in any way the normal integration or ultimate disposition of such gifts within the library system.

The Library Director may make exceptions to this policy only if the acceptance of certain restricted donations serves the best interests of the University.

Interested donors should complete this form or contact Cassidy Polack, Gifts Coordinator, KHSL Technical Services @ 502-852-6599

History Collections Gift Policy

The History Collections of Kornhauser Health Sciences Library (KHSL) accepts, at the discretion of the Curator and/or the Director, donations of rare books, manuscript collections, and artifacts that document the rich historical heritage of the health sciences in the Louisville area and Kentucky.  Such donations are vital to our mission of protecting and preserving this history and enriching the research experience for those who use our collections. 

Health sciences items we will accept include:

• Items not currently in the KHSL History Collection.
• Books published prior to 1920.
• Journals on a case by case basis.
• Manuscript collections that document individuals, organizations, schools, and businesses that specialize in health care in our region.
• Artifacts on a case by case basis.
• Books of regional interest.

The KHSL Director or the Archivist may make exceptions to any of these policies if the acceptance of a donation serves the best interests of the University.

Interested donors should contact Mary K Marlatt, Archives Associate, History Collection  at 502-852-5766 or mkmarl01@louisville.edu