Contents

• Overview
• 501(c)(3) Public Libraries
• Non-501(c)(3) Public Libraries
• Library Branches
• Tribal Libraries
• Law Libraries
• Library Support Groups

Overview

Public libraries and other library types are typically eligible to join TechSoup.

A public library is defined as a noncommercial library often supported with public funds, intended for use by the general public. Public libraries may be operated by civil servants and generally serve the whole population of a local or regional community free of charge.

Check out the TechSoup resources for libraries: TechSoup for Libraries.

501(c)(3) Public Libraries

501(c)(3) Public Libraries must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to confirm its nonprofit status.

TechSoup may request a copy of your 501(c)(3) determination letter to confirm your nonprofit status or verify the representatives of your organization.

Non-501(c)(3) Public Libraries

Non-501(c)(3) Public Libraries must be listed in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) database to confirm its nonprofit status.

TechSoup may request a copy of your state librarian letter to confirm your nonprofit status or verify the representatives of your organization.  Please keep in mind your letter must:

• Be signed and composed on the state library’s letterhead.
• Contain your library's name, address, and Federal State Cooperative System ID (FSCS ID).
• Explain why the IMLS database does not list your library.

Contact your state library coordinator and request a new state librarian letter.

Library Branches

Individual library branches are typically eligible for their own TechSoup account as long as each branch is  listed on the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) database or you can provide branch clarification letter to TechSoup.

1. Log in to TechSoup
2. Click on the user icon in the right-hand corner of the screen. This is a circle that either contains your initials or an uploaded picture.
3. A banner will pop up with additional details. Click on My Account
4. Select Add an Organization
5. Enter the EIN or IMLS number and click Continue
6. Complete all the required fields and select Continue
7. After confirming all the information, select Add This Organization

This process must be repeated for each branch that wishes to join TechSoup and hold its own TechSoup account.

Does your library have 10 or more branch locations that would like to join TechSoup? Get started on TechSoup's Free Services for Multisite Organizations page!

Library Systems, Consortiums and Districts

Library systems, consortiums and districts that are listed in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) database may be eligible for TechSoup and our corporate partners’ nonprofit programs.- even if they share a location with a library branch. 

After joining TechSoup, contact TechSoup Customer Service to request an Eligibility Review.

Tribal Libraries

Tribal libraries may be eligible for a specific program administered by TechSoup.

After joining TechSoup, contact TechSoup Customer Service to request a Tribal Library Review.

Law Libraries

Law libraries that do not hold 501(c)(3) Public Library status may be eligible for TechSoup and our corporate partners’ nonprofit programs.

After joining TechSoup, contact TechSoup Customer Service to request an Eligibility Review.

Library Support Groups

Library support groups will need to be recognized as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity tax-exempt entity by the IRS to be eligible for TechSoup and our corporate partners’ nonprofit programs.  Any nonprofit offers acquired from TechSoup by a library cannot be transferred to an affiliated library support organization and vice versa.  Learn more about the terms of use for nonprofit offers acquired through TechSoup.