Gifts to the Brown University Library are not only vital to the Library's excellence, but
are easy to make and may carry distinct advantages for the donor. The following information
will be of interest to those considering making a gift to the University Library:
- Monetary contributions
of all sizes are
welcome, from pocket change dropped into the 'cracked pots' on Carberry Day to the
million-dollar endowment established to support a particular subject of study.
- Endowments
. Establishing an endowed named
Library fund for any purpose requires a minimum gift of $100,000. Endowed funds are used in
various ways, depending on the wishes of the donor and the needs of the Library. Endowments
can be used for the unrestricted acquisition of books and other formats, or for the support
of operating expenses and special projects. For example, this year a $100,000 endowment
produced income of about $5000, which translates into 100 books at $50, the average price of a
scholarly imprint.
By the same token, a $1-million endowment generates approximately $50,000 annually, with which
the Library might purchase 1,000 books at that price. Support for the collections has been the
primary focus of the endowments, but funds aimed at capital projects provide necessary support
for equipment and activities, as well as for staff.
- Gifts in Kind
. In addition to monetary gifts,
gifts in kind also help support the collections. Books, manuscripts, maps, works of art, sound
recordings and other media have found a welcoming home at Brown. Gifts that support and extend
the collecting strengths of the Library's Collection Development Policy are gratefully received.
- Planned Giving
. Many people choose to remember the Library in their wills; a lawyer's advice and help is essential in this matter. The Library appreciates notice of a donor's intentions, either through a copy of the relevant clause in the will or through a letter stating this intention.
Developing
and Managing the Brown University Library Collections