Consequently, the Association of College and Research Libraries recommends that “to protect both its donors and itself, the library, as an interested party, ordinarily should not appraise gifts made to it.” Most libraries and archives now follow this policy on appraisals.
The Internal Revenue Service, therefore, regards archives and libraries as interested parties, and appraisals prepared by them for gifts that they receive are subject to question. In an effort to foster goodwill with donors and acquire important collections, libraries and archives may be tempted or feel pressured by the donor to provide an artificially inflated appraisal. Material given to archives and libraries may have tax benefits for the donor. The Submarine Force Library and Museum is unable to provide appraisals of the monetary value of manuscripts offered as gifts, brought in for identification, or submitted for any other purpose. Can The Submarine Force Museum Provide Me With An Appraisal Of The Financial Value Of My Submarine-related Artifact Or Archival Material?