There are some things the repository will require in order to carry out its responsibilities, but most repositories will want to work with you to meet your needs, too. If they cannot, you may want to donate to another repository.
- Talk with an archivist, curator, or other appropriate staff at the organization and check its website.
- Ask any questions you have, and see how you feel about the organization and how comfortable you feel working with the staff.
- Determine how well the repository meets the criteria listed under: How do I choose a repository for my materials?
- If you decide you want to donate materials, you will need to work out the details with the repository:
- They will have to decide what is appropriate for their collections. There may be items of yours that do not fit their collecting policy.
- There may be sensitive items you have that you do not want to be made available to the public for several years. You can put time-limited restrictions on accessibility to parts of your collection. However, a repository’s reason for collecting material is to make them publicly accessible eventually, so if you want something to be permanently restricted, the repository probably will not be interested in keeping it.
- Once you have agreed on the terms of your donation, you will sign a Deed of Gift that transfers legal ownership of your collection to the repository and states any restrictions or other terms you have worked out.
