Definitions
Transfers refer to materials considered the property of SUNY Oswego, that are given to Archives & Special Collections.
Donations refer to monetary gifts or materials that are the property of an individual, rather than SUNY Oswego.
If you're not sure who owns the materials, please reach out to our University Archivist Librarian for guidance. If you do know who owns the materials, please see the appropriate area below.
Donations
Monetary gifts
Thank you for your interest in donating to Penfield Library!
- Click the SUNY Oswego Giving Page button above.
- Under "Please select your area of support", select Other or multiple.
- In the pop up that appears, search for Penfield. Select Penfield Library Special Collections.
- Click "Continue" and follow the rest of the on-screen instructions.
Donation of materials
Please contact our University Archivist Librarian for more information about donating personal papers and materials.
Have other materials you want to donate, like books? Visit the Library's main page about donations.
Transfers
Identifying materials to be transferred
If you're not sure whether or not materials should be donated or transferred to the University Archives, here are a few guidelines to help you. You can also email our University Archivist Librarian for assistance with this process.
- Start by checking our collection development policy to see whether the item(s) are things typically collected by Archives & Special Collections.
- If the materials contain personal identifying information, information that is protected by federal or state law, or information that is under the responsibility of the designated records manager, please reach out to Sean Moriarty to determine whether the materials should be transferred, and whether they should have any access restrictions.
- If the materials are still be actively used by the department or campus office, consider how often these materials will need to be accessed. All materials in the Archives & Special Collections are subject to our hours and other access restrictions.
If you believe the materials should be transferred to the Archives & Special Collections, please follow the steps below.
Preparing the materials
If you're not sure where to start, get in touch with the University Archivist librarian using our contact form. They can help evaluate the situation and determine next steps. This may include multiple site visits, bringing over materials for increased organization (boxes and folders), identifying materials to keep or remove, and interviews with staff to better understand the collection.
If you already know what materials to submit, please number each folder and/or box to assist us with organization and description of the collection.
Before you send the materials
The following form must be completed for transfer of all materials, no matter how few materials are transferred. This helps us to maintain accurate records.
Sending the materials
If all materials are boxed up and ready to be transferred, please send them via campus mail to Penfield Library (building 17), with attention to Archives & Special Collections.