K-State Libraries are currently unable to accept donations of print books, journals, and other materials. This decision is a result of the high cost of sorting, reviewing, and processing donated material, many of which duplicate our current holdings and reflects the need to repurpose library space to support individual and group study. Exceptions are:
- Textbook donations for current courses to be placed on reserve
- Gift books written by K-State faculty that are not currently in the general collection
- Materials that enhance our unique holdings in Special Collections and Archives
Please contact Lori Goetsch, Dean of Libraries, lgoetsch@k-state.edu or (785) 532-7492, with questions.
Special Collections and University Archives/Manuscripts
The Libraries accept books, manuscripts and personal papers associated with four collecting areas:
- The Consumer Movement
- Cookery
- Kansas Life and Culture
- K-State History
The acquisition of official university records by the University Archives is covered in Chapter 3090 (Retention of Records) in the K-State Policy and Procedures Manual. Donors are encouraged to coordinate the donation of special collections materials with Special Collections staff at (785) 532-7466 or libsc@k-state.edu.
For institutional records, transfers should be coordinated through Cliff Hight, University Archivist (785) 532-3420 or chight@k-state.edu.
Alternative Donation Locations
We recommend Manhattan Public Library and Better World Books as other options for book donations. Please check their websites for instructions and further details.