(1) Acquisitions by donation is the major method of building the archival collections of the society. Purchase shall be used only as a last expedient to assure the acquisition and preservation of particularly significant materials. No loans of materials except for copying purposes shall be accepted. Acquisitions include materials reflecting the history of Montana and of contiguous states and Canadian provinces where they are direct or indirect links to Montana.

(2) All donations of a major nature shall cause the issuance of a deed of gift for the signature of the donor and director/department head.

(3) Restrictions on collections, while not encouraged, may be placed on the materials as a condition of donation. These may take several forms, including: a period of years; during the lifetime of the donor; no publication from materials without authorization from the donor; or during the lifetime of key individuals mentioned in the manuscripts. Unreasonable restrictions on entire collections shall be rejected. Where restrictions have been agreed upon in writing they shall be honored by the staff and patrons.