Donations to Special Collections

W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections is a rich and diverse research resource containing a wide range of materials acquired either through purchase or donation. We serve researchers locally, nationally, and internationally. We actively collect and preserve old and rare material—especially if published before 1850—as well as finely printed, bound or illustrated modern books, and material that is special because of format, historical or monetary value, condition, or distinguished provenance (former ownership). In addition, we collect certain material according to its genre—please see the gifts in kind list on this page.

Donations

We welcome gifts in kind that meet our collection guidelines, as well as donations of money designated for the purchase of rare materials and/or for the conservation of our collection.  Your support is essential for us to accomplish our important mission.

Gifts in Kind

Special Collections welcomes gifts of:

  1. Rare books, maps, and manuscripts
  2. Canadian cookbooks (pre-1960)
  3. Bibles (historic and unique formats)
  4. Architectural guidebooks (British Isles)
  5. Canadian sheet music (pre-World War II)
  6. Canadian theatre/concert programs
  7. Canadian pamphlets and early periodicals
  8. Stereoscopic cards

Potential donors should contact Special Collections via email at jordan.library@queensu.ca. We ask that donors prepare a list of items that they are considering donating to assist our review of items on offer.

For additional information on giving at Queen’s, please see the following resources:

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