How to support the library
The George and Mary Foster Anthropology Library welcomes support in all forms. Generous giving from donors has a long tradition in the Anthropology Library, beginning with collections from the library’s founder John H. Rowe and including important gifts from professors Kroeber, Lowie, Colson, and Foster, along with many others. The different types of gifts are outlined below.
Cash gifts
Financial support is very important to the George and Mary Foster Anthropology Library. Contributions provide funding for expensive resources, specialized equipment, conservation of rare books, special exhibits, or projects. Financial gifts may be unrestricted or support a specific library program, service, or collection. In addition to cash, the library welcomes securities and other real or tangible property.
Donating books or journals
Gifts of scholarly and professional materials have historically represented a significant element in the development of our outstanding research collections. We welcome individual gifts of books and journals, but due to space and staff limitations, we must be judicious in accepting large contributions. Donors should be aware that the materials offered may be duplicates or outside the scope of the collection. In this case these materials may be included in Library book sales, and the proceeds used to purchase other materials for the collections.
Named endowments
Contributions given in memory or in honor of a person are welcomed. A book endowment fund may be established, which will provide an annual income in perpetuity to the George and Mary Foster Anthropology Library for the purchase of books, electronic resources, and other materials. Endowments can be designated for a specialized area (such as archaeology, medical anthropology, biological anthropology, linguistics, or socio-cultural anthropology) of the donor's choice. Endowments ensure strong collections.
Memorial or honorific gifts
Contributions given in memory or in honor of a person or to mark a special occasion are recognized with a bookplate and family members notified. For a gift of $1,000, a named memorial collections fund can be established, and for gifts totaling $50,000 or more, a named memorial collections endowment fund with a special bookplate can be created.
Major gifts
Significant contributions toward Library enhancements are welcomed and could include a recognition plaque or naming opportunities for improved areas, subject to campus approval procedures.
Trusts
A trust can be established to produce income for the donor or others during their lifetimes and ultimately provide future support for the Library. Cal’s Planned Giving staff can provide assistance in determining an appropriate arrangement to meet your individual needs.
Contribute
You can designate the George and Mary Foster Anthropology Library in your gift to the Library Fund or give to the Anthropology Library fund directly and select “Add to basket.”
For more information, please contact the Library Development Office.