Gifts of Art and Artifacts

 

Policy Background and Purpose of Policy: Due to the significant responsibility of owning and maintaining collections of art and artifacts, the Maynard Public Library does not actively collect in this area. The Library may, from time to time, receive offers of donated art and artifacts to be added to the Library’s permanent collection and displayed within the Library building. The Library appreciates such offers and acknowledges the generosity and commitment to the Library they convey. The policy below creates a framework to consider such gifts.

 

This policy covers two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional works of art and other objects for display, including but not limited to paintings, photographs, murals, fabric art, works of sculpture, and objects of historic, literary, or cultural interest.

 

Selection Process: The Director of the Maynard Public Library is authorized to receive works of art and artifacts on behalf of the Library. Selection criteria include, but are not limited to:

​

● Relation of the artist or content to Maynard

● Available and appropriate space to accommodate the object

● Quality, size, condition, and medium of the object

● Care or conservation required

● Potential danger posed by the object (for example, sharp edges or heavy weight)

● Provenance or other documentation

● Inclusion of copyright permission, if applicable, for artwork

● Monetary value

 

To assist in this process, the Director may establish an Art Selection Committee to consider the merits of potential gifts. Recommendations to accept artwork or artifacts of significant value (in excess of $5,000) are sent to the Library Board of Trustees for approval.

 

Art Selection Committee: If the Director chooses to establish a committee, it will be composed of a combination of individuals (no fewer than 3) with expertise in art and those who know and understand the Library environment. The committee will include professional artists or other members of the arts community, as well as at least one member of the Board of Trustees.

 

Appraisals: The Library legally cannot provide appraisals or estimates of value of gifts it accepts for income tax or other purposes, but will acknowledge acceptance of gifts.

 

Conditions of Acceptance:  

● No guarantee is made that any gift will be permanently displayed or kept by the Library.

● The Library will only accept gifts of art and artifacts that are made without restriction. The title of such gifts passes to the Maynard Public Library. The donor or their lawful agent must complete the Library’s Deed of Gift form before a gift can be accepted.  

● The Library cannot be held liable if any item is destroyed, damaged, or stolen. Donors should be aware that the Library does not maintain separate insurance on donated works, and that Library staff are not trained in the conservation of art works or artifacts. Only ordinary care in maintaining the gift can be expected.  

● The Library may exercise the option to sell, donate, or otherwise deaccession any such gift and use proceeds for any purpose appropriate to the Library’s mission.

 

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, 13 December 2022