The mission of Special Collections and Archives is to preserve and provide access to the historical record. This means we collect physical and digital documents, photographs, audio and video recordings, and select books. We occasionally accept memorabilia and objects that relate to Georgia State University or that are important to the context of a larger collection. Sculptures, large pieces of artwork, artifacts, plaques and trophies are not accepted. Likewise, we do not accept book collections (unless they are rare AND fit within the scope of our rare book collection).
Special Collections and Archives has eight collecting areas. These are the only subject areas that we collect. If your materials do not fall within any of these subject areas we will not be able to accept a donation. To learn more about what we accept as part of each collecting area, review the relevant subject area collection policy document:
- Atlanta Civic & Neighborhood History (PDF)
- Gender and Sexuality Collections (PDF)
- Georgia State University Archives (PDF)
- Music Collections (PDF)
- Photographic Collections (PDF)
- Popular Culture Collection (PDF)
- Rare Book Collection (PDF)
- Southern Labor Archives (PDF)
- Women’s Collections (PDF)
For information about donating personal or organizational collections, please review our personal and organizational collection donation guides:
If you wish to donate materials please contact [email protected] or (404) 413-2880.
Legal Matters
All collections require a signed Deed of Gift which transfers rights from the donor to the University Library’s Special Collections & Archives. This will be negotiated between the donor and the appropriate archivist. We reserve the right to refuse or dispose of some or all of the donated materials provided there are no restrictions noted in the Deed of Gift.
Tax Deductions
Special Collections & Archives rarely purchases archival materials. If you wish to take a tax deduction for the value of your donation, consult with your accountant and/or tax attorney. IRS regulations require a signed appraisal from a qualified appraiser for deductions over $5,000. We cannot provide appraisals for collections. You can find qualified appraisers through the Appraisers Association of America.
Monetary Donations
Financial gifts, in addition to material donations, allow us to preserve the past by providing archivists with the tools, time and resources required to process material donations. To learn more about supporting Special Collections & Archives with a monetary donation, please visit our Giving page.