What happens after you donate

Yes, we can offer you a tour of our space. Please contact us to set one up.

Once the official paperwork is complete, the materials become the property of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents. Any changes in ownership would require administrative approval. In addition, the University invests labor and supplies in taking in and servicing collections with the intent that they will be available for researchers and teaching. If you’ve simply included an item in error, we would return it to you. We cannot deaccession an entire collection without undergoing expense and changes in legal ownership. If you think you may change your mind, please hold off on donating until you are certain.

Special Collections and University Archives is proud of being able to say that every archives and manuscript collection in its possession has some level of description and is discoverable by researchers. Minimally and partially processed collections are typically open for use shortly after paperwork is finalized. We strive to provide folder-level description and organization for all collections, but this process takes a great deal of time. We use student workers to assist us in preparing these inventories. Your collection will be rapidly available for research, but may not be described or organized in detail for several years.

No, we do not loan collection items except occasionally to other museums and formal gallery spaces. If you need a copy of a document or two, we are happy to accommodate that request for free.

Absolutely! We’d love to have them visit. Let’s discuss.