If you receive books that are in good condition but aren't suitable for your collection, you might try to sell or exchange them at a second-hand book dealer. Old periodicals will probably receive very little use but take up a lot of space. Unless you have a great deal of room, plus time and money for processing, both kinds of gifts should probably be avoided. Some authors argue that you should never turn down any donation. Whether you decide to accept all gifts or screen them before they are accepted will be determined by how many donations you handle and how much time, space and effort is available for processing them.
Donations are often perfect candidates for book sales.
If they are in good condition but don't fit in your collection, don't hesitate to put them to good use by raising money through a book sale. Since your gift policy should address the sale of donated books, this should be an acceptable option to all parties. It is very important, however, to retain control over collection development. Donated memorial books must meet all the same criteria as any other donation or purchase. It is also vital to be sure that campaigns do not become a replacement for regular adequate funding.