Rachel,

University politics and donors are common elements in our collections
activities as well. I still think the legalities/ethics should be the most
important concern(s). Just returning a gift at request, no matter who the
donor or their future giving potential, is a precedent that should not be
set. It opens too many legal and ethical doors, that it will be very
difficult to close. Said politics should not stand in the way of us doing
our best for the collections. That said, there are always exceptions.

For my two cents...I would have to ask why the donor wants the item(s)
returned, did they take a tax deduction when first donated, and will the
removal of the objects be detrimental to your collections? Also, have there
been threats of removal of funds as a result of this issue, or is it just a
fear? I have found that talking to donors and explaining the professional
concerns of the museum often convinces them to leave the stuff where it is.
They are often not aware of what they are asking us to do or the position
they are putting us in, from a museum perspective. With such information in
hand, I could make a better recommendation to my director and curator.

Good luck.

Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850


                                                                           
             Rachel Galan                                                  
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                                       Request for return of a major gift  
                                                                           
             03/31/2005 01:04                                              
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I would like to hear from any of you who have been asked to return a major
gift. What
negative repercussions came from the return of the item or collection? Of
course our
situation is not going to come down to the legalities of a signed donor
form, but the
politics of angering a major University donor.

Thanks,
Rachel


Rachel B. Galan, Director
East Texas Research Center
Ralph W. Steen Library
Stephen F. Austin State University
Voice - (936)468-1590
E-Mail - [log in to unmask]
Web - http://libweb.sfasu.edu/etrc/default.htm
http://tides.sfasu.edu

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