Library binding

Library binding is the term used to describe the method of binding serials, and re-binding paperback or hardcover books, for use within libraries. Library binding increases the durability of books, as well as making the materials easier to use. A lower cost and in-house alternative to library binding of paperbacks is the stiffening process.

Purpose

Library binding is a way to increase the life of books and periodicals used in libraries. This is done by sewing the pages in place and by reinforcing the spine for each volume. The goal of library binding is long-term preservation. However, library bound books also benefit library patrons because they ensure that the volume in hand is complete, as well as to make the volumes easier to open and photocopy.

In addition, many libraries re-bind damaged books in library bindings regardless of whether they were originally paperback or hardcover.

Methods and materials

Most library binders use a method of bookbinding called "oversewing" to secure the volumes. Oversewing involves cutting or "milling" off the spines of the volumes, creating a block of loose pages. Then the loose sheets are combined into small units or "signatures," which are secured with overlock stitching. The separate signatures then get sewn together, creating a single "text block". Often a piece of linen is glued to the text block spine for further support. The spine of the volume sometimes is "rounded and backed" to keep the spine from caving in. But if the paper of the volume is too fragile, or the text block is too thick, the spine is left flat. The text block is placed in a sturdy cover or "case", with special paper covering the inside covers (Boardway 1993).

The most common cloth used by library binders to cover the boards of the book is buckram coated with acrylic. Acrylic coatings are generally resistant to water, mold, insects, and ultra-violet light. The buckram used is a 100% cotton, bulky fabric designed to withstand wear and tear (Jones 1993). Smaller books may be bound in "c-cloth", a lighter weight cloth that may or may not have an acrylic coating. The information about the volume (such as title and call number) are hot-stamped onto the spine. Bound serials are typically all bound in the same color of buckram, in order to indicate the relationship of the volumes.

Library binders

Library binding is done at a commercial library binding company. Sending books to the library binder is a mass production process. The library will gather and set aside their volumes which they want library bound, and then box and ship off these books to a library binding company. The binding company handles each volume one at a time, and then places all the items from the shipment back into boxes and sends them back to the library.

*Commercial library binding factories were first established in America and England in the early twentieth century. Since then, there have emerged several prominent library binding companies (including Ocker & Trapp, or Wert Bookbinders). Although they are commercial enterprises, library binders act as partners to the library world. The operations they perform on books and serials help extend the life of these materials, making them more accessible to library users. The goal should always be to do as "little" damage to the volume as possible. A volume should not be sent to a commercial library binder if the papers in the volume are brittle, if the volume appears to have value as an artifact, if the item can be repaired or treated in-house, or if the item needs preparatory conservation treatment.

*Library binders and libraries must agree on the conditions of the services provided and the prices rendered, and then must sign a contract confirming these. The library binder should insure against the loss of volumes and should correct any mistakes (such as wrong color buckram cloth, or incorrect title stamped on the spine) (State of Connecticut Binding Contract 1993).

*The Library Binding Institute [http://www.lbibinders.org] is the main source of information and standards on library binding. In conjunction with the National Information Standards Organization, the Library Binding Institute has published standards of library binding that should be used by all binding companies. These include technical specifications (for the different methods of library binding) and material specifications (for the materials used in library binding).

References

Boardway, David, Margaret Byrnes, Charlane Grant, and Gregor Trinkhaus-Randall. "Commercial Library Binding." "Preservation Planning Program: Managing a Library Binding Program." Jan Merrill-Oldham (ed). Association of Research Library: Washington D.C., 1993.

Jones, Lynn. "Report on the Manufacture of Book Cloth and Buckram." "Preservation Planning Program: Managing a Library Binding Program. " Jan Merrill-Oldham (ed). Association of Research Library: Washington D.C., 1993.

State of Connecticut Binding Contract as Applied to the University of Connecticut Libraries, Storrs. "Preservation Planning Program: Managing a Library Binding Program." Jan Merrill-Oldham (ed). Association of Research Library: Washington D.C., 1993.

ee also

*Bookbinding
*Preservation (library and archival science)

External links

* [http://www.nedcc.org/resources/leaflets/7Conservation_Procedures/01GuidelinesForBinding.php Guidelines for Library Binding] (from the Northeast Document Conservation Center)