WELCOME
The USC Libraries are the true heart of the university, supporting excellence in every school, in every department at USC.
So much more than books on a shelf, the USC Libraries acquire rare books and manuscripts, create thought-provoking exhibits, develop collections to support teaching, research, and creative practice, and provide services and digital resources to the entire USC academic community. The USC Libraries provide access to information and ideas in a way that builds a community of critical consumers of information and helps develop engaged world citizens.
Your gift to the USC Libraries supports the discovery, creation, and preservation of knowledge for all USC students, faculty, researchers, and creative artists. You can support the USC Libraries in several ways:
USC Libraries Dean's Fund - Make a gift
A gift to the Dean's Fund supports every student, faculty member, and researcher at USC. Gifts provide unrestricted funding where most needed such as the acquisition of books and research materials, cataloguing books and collections, and new programming and events. Gifts can be designated to support a specific library. Gifts of $10,000 or more are recognized with an engraved plaque on a vintage card catalogue drawer in the Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library.
Student Academic and Emotional Support Fund - Make a gift
Gifts support a series of programs and events hosted by the USC Libraries throughout the year that are designed to enhance the academic skills and emotional wellbeing of USC students--including programs for first-generation and transfer students. Funds support information literacy workshops, assistance with research, and technology tutorials that aid USC students in the transition to the academic rigors of a top-tier research university.
Friends of the USC Libraries Fund - Make a gift
The Friends of the USC Libraries provide support for a wide array of library collections, services, and programs that benefit students and researchers across the university. In recent years, the Friends have supported book acquisitions, cultural programs, and special initiatives for the USC community.
Adopt a Book - View available books
The first gift of rare books to the USC Libraries was in 1911, making USC the earliest institutional collector of rare books in Los Angeles. Today, USC Libraries holds nearly 6 million titles – some dating as far back as the 14th Century. Your gift to the Adopt-a-Book program supports the conservation and preservation of these books, while also providing an opportunity to honor the memory, or celebrate the lives of your friends and family. Donors who adopt books are recognized with a digital bookplate in the USC Libraries’ online catalogue with the wording of your choice. Visit our Adopted Books page to view previously adopted books.
Libraries Naming Opportunities
A naming gift is the highest honor a donor can bestow upon the USC Libraries. It provides a special opportunity to honor a family member, loved one, or your own legacy, and demonstrates your support of the USC Libraries for generations to come. For more information, please contact Jake Wohleb at the USC Libraries’ Development Office: wohleb@usc.edu; (213) 821-7452.
Planned Gift
When you make a planned gift to the USC Libraries, you have tremendous flexibility in determining how the funds will be used, as well as many methods for making your planned gift. Planned gifts offer you an opportunity to support the USC Libraries while creating income for life, claiming tax deductions and/or reducing estate taxes. For more information, please contact Jake Wohleb at the USC Libraries Development Office: wohleb@usc.edu; (213) 821-7452.
Donations of Books and Collections
The USC Libraries are temporarily pausing acceptance of unsolicited books and other collections until further notice.
We appreciate your thinking of us. However, please keep in mind that when the pause ends, in most cases we are rarely able to accept unsolicited items. You might also consider organizations like Better World Books or Pick Up Please, or your local public library may accept donations of used books.