----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Carol, In my experience, the library collections are part of the general policy covering personal property. However, often parts of the collection such as archives or rare books are covered generally or are specifically listed (ie, by titel) on a valuable papers policy. In any event, you should make sure that the library materials are insured for replacement value and that the policy is "all risk", which means it includes everything possible. If you don't want to insure every book for replacement, you could perhaps agree on an established blanket value for the normal books. Perhaps you would decide that in the event of a major catastrophe, every third book could be found and replaced. Make sure the policy also covers the staff time and expense of acquiring and cataloging the new material also will pay for restoration if that is your possible and preferred option. By the way, some events not always included are flood, earthquake (yes, New York sits on a fault line), sewer backup, etc. and you should make sure they are covered if appropriate in your situation. Also make sure your insurance is placed with a large, reputable insuror used to working with libraries and non-profits. The Chubb is one company everyone always mentions but there are others, too. Ask what other major libraries, especially ones with rare books/archives, they insure. I have answered this at the request of our librarian. Michael McKay Director of Finance and Administration (and MLS holder) American Craft Council Carol Rusk wrote: > ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- > The Registrar's office at WMAA, involved in planning for expansion of an > offsite storage facility, is interested in how most library and archival > collections of books, papers, photographs, etc., are covered. Is it through > a special library policy, a general liability policy, the museum's fine arts > policy, or something else? -- _______________________________________________________________________ Trisha Lucy Library Director American Craft Council 72 Spring Street New York, NY 10012 212-274-0630 Ext. 231 212-274-0650 Fax [log in to unmask] http://www.craftcouncil.org