Library binding
Library binding is 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. The stiffening process is a low-cost, in-house alternative to library
binding of paperbacks.
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 by ensuring
that the volume in hand is complete, opened with ease, and easy to 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 [[oversewn binding|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 book block. Often a piece of linen is glued to the book 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 book block is too thick, the spine is left
flat. The book 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) is 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 Dague Bookbindery, 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 ensure against the loss of volumes and should correct any mistakes (such as the wrong color
buckram cloth, or the incorrect title stamped on the spine) (State of Connecticut Binding Contract 1993).
- The Library Binding Institute [1] 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).
See also
References
- Boardway, David, et al. "Commercial Library Binding." Preservation
Planning Program: Managing a Library Binding Program. Jan Merrill-Oldham (ed). Association of Research Libraries: 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 Libraries: Washington D.C., 1993.
- Storrs, ----- "State of Connecticut Binding Contract as Applied to the
University of Connecticut Libraries", in: Preservation Planning Program: Managing a Library Binding Program. Jan Merrill-Oldham (ed).
Association of Research Libraries: Washington D.C., 1993.
External links
Guidelines for Library Binding] (from the Northeast Document
Conservation Center)