Archives: Collection Policy Purpose The National Press Club Archives collects, preserves, describes, exhibits and makes available to researchers materials related to the history and activities of the National Press Club and the history of journalism, specifically in the Washington DC area. Scope of Materials The following are materials collected by the National Press Club Archives: Materials in any format concerning National Press Club affairs, including social events, news events, professional affairs and administrative activities. Materials in any format concerning the Women's National Press Club/Washington Press Club affairs, including social events, news events, professional affairs and administrative activities. Administrative records, including paper, photographs, audio and video tapes and other related materials of professional associations in journalism or public relations. These associations are for the professional development and socialization of groups in journalism or public relations. These associations should either be national in scope or based in the Washington DC area. Personal papers and related material concerning the National Press Club, including photographs, belonging to Silver Owls or Golden Owls of the National Press Club (25-year or 50-year Club members). Personal papers and related material in any format belonging to winners of the National Press Club's Fourth Estate Award. Personal papers of journalists who have spent a significant portion of their careers covering events in Washington, DC. Published biographies about journalists, publishers, broadcasters, producers and other notables in the media industry, printed at least 40 years prior to the date of accession into the Archives. Modern reprints will not be accepted into the Archives. Published autobiographies and memoirs of journalists, publishers and other notables in the media industry, with a concentration on books printed at least 40 years prior to the date of accession into the Archives. Modern reprints will not be accepted into the Archives. Published books on the history of Washington DC, including memoirs of Washington DC residents highlighting the city and its environs, published before 1975. Original editorial cartoons of any date (photocopies or newspaper/magazine clippings of cartoons will not be accepted). Published books on the history of Washington DC, including memoirs of Washington DC residents highlighting the city and its environs, published before 1975. Gifts Policy The National Press Club Archives is happy to accept donations that fall within the scope of its collection policy. Any collection accepted commits us to the task of organizing and preserving it, which involves hand labor and costs for archival supplies. Donors are encouraged to include a monetary donation to fund the cost of processing and preserving their materials. Due to limited staffing, budget and space all donations or gifts are subject to review by the National Press Club Archives and may be declined. Partial collections are discouraged but may be reviewed at the discretion of the Archives. The National Press Club Archives reserves the right to decline any collection for the following reasons: Inability of the National Press Club Archives to provide suitable space, staffing, supplies and equipment. While the lack of one or more of these does not constitute a compelling reason for refusing archives and manuscripts, deficiency in one or more may constitute grounds for a temporary delay in their acquisition. During periods of severe deficiency in any of these areas, the archives will give priority to new accessions of internal records whenever possible. Inability of the National Press Club Archives to provide sufficient support to preserve and provide access to archival records. The collection contains materials that do not fit within the scope of the National Press Club Archives. Materials that can be found in other archives or libraries will not be accepted (ex. newspapers, books, published and unpublished ephemera). Photocopies of materials donated to another repository will not be accepted. Materials irreparably damaged or infested by insects or mold will not be accepted. Materials in which the donor's ownership is in question or is disputed will not be accepted. Duplicate materials will not be accepted due to lack of space and may be subject to disposal. The National Press Club Archives will not accept permanent loans of materials and will not assume liability for materials that are not owned by the National Press Club. Once a donation is accepted, a deed of gift must be signed by the donor specifying the materials to be donated. This deed of gift transfers any rights the donor may have concerning ownership or copyright to the National Press Club Archives. Special conditions may be specified by the donor, but the National Press Club Archives may refuse any donation in which it deems the conditions of use are overly restrictive. Donors are welcome to examine the material that they have donated at any time, and, if so desired, can be given a copy of any inventories, finding aids, or other research materials produced by the Archives about the donated material. The National Press Club Archives is a nonprofit organization and has been granted 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status by the IRS. Donations may qualify as tax-deductible. This, however, does not permit the archivist to appraise gifts. Under IRS regulations no library, archive, or museum can perform an appraisal. The National Press Club Archives will not hire an independent appraiser. If you would like your collection appraised for tax purposes, please arrange for this to happen before you donate your collection to the National Press Club Archives. Cooperative Collection Development Efforts The National Press Club Archives will work with other institutions involved in similar efforts, as appropriate.