Coates Library welcomes and accepts donations of materials that enrich and strengthen our collections while supporting the curriculum. We evaluate donated items using the same criteria applied to purchased materials. As a result, we may decline donations that fall outside our collections' scope or duplicate existing materials.
The library accepts gifts with the understanding that these items become the property of the library. The library may choose to dispose of any materials that are not accepted in various ways, including donating them to another library, reselling them through Better World Books, recycling, or discarding them.
Upon acceptance, donors may request to receive a letter acknowledging their gift. This letter can be used to claim a tax deduction for charitable giving. Appraisal of gifts is the sole responsibility of the donor. The library will not appraise donated items. The donor is responsible for obtaining an appraisal of the gift for tax purposes.
For large gifts, donors will need to provide funds for processing and cataloging. If funds are unavailable, the library may suggest alternative donation options.
Upon request, gifts placed in the library will be identified with a digital/physical donor gift plate.
Prior to donating, you may be asked to complete our gift agreement form. This form records the details of your gift for our records.
Better World Books is an online used bookstore. Unsold books are donated to developing countries.
Half Price Books is a used bookstore in San Antonio with multiple locations.
Donation Alternatives from ALA
The Salvation Army and Goodwill
The Coates Library receives significant support from the university's general fund. Monetary gifts directed to the general fund may be designated for the library. All donations of this type are appreciatively acknowledged.
Those who wish the library to add a book or other item in honor of or in memory of an individual should send a check to the Trinity University Department of Alumni Relations and Development, payable to Trinity University. We will select a title to add to the library. You may request a general subject area from which a book will be selected. The materials purchased may be identified with a digital gift plate, if requested, and included in the library catalog.
While there is no monetary minimum for general fund donations on behalf of the Coates Library, the average cost of a book exceeds $80.00. The library tries to match donation amount to price of materials.