Please give generously! Handling donations to libraries

Abstract

The large number of donations to the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library in Antwerp, and the inevitable expenditure of time involved in dealing with them, gave rise to the author’s research into this form of acquisition, and in turn to publication of a guide outlining the most efficient way of handling them. The article outlines and explains the steps which should be taken to manage donations, bequests and transfers from other libraries, from basic advice such as including a section on donations in the library’s collection development policy, to the importance of efficient record-keeping in order to avoid disputes.