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Can I Donate Copies & Keep
My Originals?
Just as museums prefer to collect original
artifacts rather than reproductions, the FLRC&M prefers
original records to copies. FLRC&M researchers prefer
originals both for their readability and to ensure themselves
of the integrity of the materials they are studying.
The FLRC&M can provide you free of charge with photocopies or microfilm
of any small collection that you donate, or copies of selected materials from
any large collection that you donate. In exceptional cases, the FLRC&M will
accept high-quality copies of very significant materials should a donor be
unable to part with the originals.
Will the FLRC&M Appraise
My Collection
for Tax Purposes?
The FLRC&M cannot appraise donated materials
to determine their fair market value since the FLRC&M
is considered an interested party in the transaction. Such
evaluations do not meet the
IRS definition of "qualified
appraisal." To qualify
as acceptable for income tax use,
the appraisal must be performed by an objective, qualified
appraiser,
unconnected with either the donor or the institution, hired
for this purpose by the donor.
In addition, the FLRC&M cannot provide tax advice or interpretation
of the tax laws to answer individual questions. Donors should consult an expert
tax advisor for information on the use of gifts or property for charitable
contribution deductions. The FLRC&M can provide the names
and addresses
of qualified manuscript appraisers
if a professional appraisal seems
desirable or necessary.
What Will the FFLRC&M
Do With My Papers?
The FLRC&M will store donated materials in archival,
acid-free containers and folders in the FLRC&M's secure,
climate-controlled storage facility.
Archivists will describe
and catalog donated collections. Archivists will remove
duplicates, items that do not have historical significance,
and items that do not fit the FLRC&M's collecting scope,
and will return those materials to the donor or otherwise
dispose of them in accordance with the donor's wishes.
The FLRC&M will make donated collections available for viewing by researchers
in the FLRC&M's public research facility and will, upon request, provide
researchers with copies from the collections, unless such copying is specifically
prohibited or would endanger fragile materials. The FLRC&M uses items from
its collections in exhibits displayed at the FLRC&M research facility.
How Can I Donate
My Papers to the FLRC&M?
You can call, write or e-mail the FLRC&M to discuss donating your historical
records. You can make an appointment to bring your materials for review to
the FLRC&M, located on the campus of Tallahassee Community College, or send
copies to the FLRC&M for evaluation. You will be asked to sign a Deed of
Gift transferring to the FLRC&M legal custody of
any records you donate and any copyright interests you hold in the records,
thus allowing the FLRC&M to make the records fully accessible to the public
for historical research.
Florida Legislative
Research Center & Museum
at the Historic Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee,
FL 32399-1100
(850) 410-2230
info@flrcm.gov
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