We welcome donations to Special Collections. As outlined in our Collection Development Policy, we will consider donations that support the primary mission of Special Collections, which is to support the undergraduate research and education mission of UNC Asheville by providing unique primary and secondary research materials that document local and regional history and culture.
Our primary collection focus is on materials documenting Asheville and Western North Carolina. However, other collection areas will be considered if they directly support undergraduate curricula and research at UNC Asheville. Collection Development decisions will be made by the Head of Special Collections in consultation with the University Librarian.
We accept donations from individuals, civic groups, government and non-profit agencies, businesses, religious organizations, cultural organizations, and other groups that reflect the diverse history and culture of Asheville and Western North Carolina. Materials collected may include manuscripts, correspondence, personal papers, photographs, diaries, maps, oral histories, books, pamphlets, newspapers, publications, and similar materials.
Donations of materials are considered gifts to Special Collections and will become a permanent part of Special Collections. Donors are required to sign a Donor Agreement and Deed of Gift Form. Donated materials will be organized according to archival principles, stored in secure conditions, and will be made available to researchers in a supervised, secure environment.
For potential donations that fall outside of Special Collections Collection Development Policy, please refer to the Ramsey Library Gifts Policy.
Under federal law, Special Collections is not allowed to determine the value of an item or collection. All gifts will be acknowledged. However, because the Internal Revenue Service regards the Libraries as an interested party, the Libraries are unable to provide appraisals for tax purposes. The appraisal or establishment of an item’s value for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor, as are appraisal costs. Donors should seek further information on valuation of donated property from the Internal Revenue Service and their own tax advisor or attorney. Acceptance of a gift that has been appraised by a third, disinterested party does not imply endorsement of such appraisal by the Library.
If you are interested in donating materials to Special Collections please contact us at (828) 251-6645 or speccoll@unca.edu