The ASIL Library accepts gifts and contributions for the development of its international law collection. Especially valuable are recent books by members of the Society, but also sought are books and journals that fill existing gaps. Historically, some of the Library's most unusual and significant collections began with donations from individuals that the Library then built upon to maintain depth, breadth, and currency.
General Guidelines for Gift Materials
Due to the limited amount of shelf space available, and high costs of managing the gift process, the Library's goal in accepting gifts is to acquire only materials which are highly relevant to the institution's needs. Materials that are redundant or do not fall into the scope of the library collection cannot be accepted. These include:
- outdated and superceded materials
- scattered volumes of multi-volume sets, unless needed to fill a gap
- materials in poor condition
- duplicates
Acceptance of Gifts
When donated to the Library, materials become the property of the American Society of International Law. The Library's intention in accepting gifts is that they be added to the collection if needed. Donors should be aware that materials not added to the collection may be offered to other libraries, foreign and domestic, or sold at book sales to benefit the ASIL Library.
Donors assume responsibility for delivering or arranging for delivery of gift materials to ASIL Headquarters at Tillar House in Washington, D.C., where the ASIL Library is housed. Donors will receive a formal letter of acknowledgment indicating types of and numbers of materials donated. In keeping with professional guidelines and ASIL policy, the Library cannot provide appraisals or estimates of value for donated materials. The Donor is responsible for placing a value on the donation.
Under certain special circumstances, gifts may be book-plated with the Donor's name. The Library cannot house a Donor's library separate from the general collection, nor is the acceptance of a gift an assurance of permanent retention.
Gifts of Money
Gifts of money to purchase books, online subscriptions and other materials and services are welcome. While all dues, income, gifts and other revenue received by ASIL go into a general fund, Library donations are credited to the Library and thus demonstrate the ongoing value of the Library/Information Center and the importance of continuing its support and funding.
