Library Donations Policy

1. The Library welcomes donations on horticulture, gardening and closely related subjects (for example, botany, landscape design, composting, soil science, pest management), at the Library’s discretion.
2. Potential donors should contact the Caley Library Team (caleylibrary@rchs.co.uk) in advance, describing in as much detail as possible the material they wish to offer, for example, titles/authors, approximate quantity, publication dates and condition.
3. In considering donations, the Library will take into account its Collection Development Policy.
4. In considering donations, the Library will also consider the space (shelf) requirements demanded by the donation and the ongoing costs of maintenance.
5. The Library generally does not accept duplicate copies of items already in the collection, unless the Library decides the donation is a better edition or is in better condition and will replace an existing copy.
6. Donors should be aware that the Library reserves the right to:
   a. refuse the donation;
   b. dispose of donations as it sees fit, by sale, gift or by discarding them at any time, unless a written agreement states otherwise.
7. The Library cannot accept material with caveats or restrictive conditions.
8. Donated material will become the sole property of The Caley (Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society).
9. Donated material placed in the Library will be available to Library users in accordance with Library access rules. Some items may be on-site only or have handling restrictions.
10. The Library may store items it considers rare and/or valuable items in a secure, restricted-access location.
11. Donors should inform the Library if they require a written acknowledgement confirming receipt of their donation.
12. The Caley encourages donors to discuss any proposed bequest with us in advance and will assess any bequest before accepting it. Unless a bequest is subject to restrictions or conditions set out in the will or a written agreement, it will be treated as an unrestricted gift and managed under this Donations Policy.
13. By donating material to the Library, the donor confirms they have read and accepted the conditions of this Donations Policy.

To discuss a donation or for further information, contact caleylibrary@rchs.co.uk