BCLTA

 


BRITISH COLUMBIA LIBRARY TRUSTEES' ASSOCIATION

"To develop and support library trustees to advance public library service in British Columbia"

 
 
  
 
 
 
 

The Role of Library in Essay.

What Does Library Binding Mean?

Publishers expect that books bound in library binding will be used and pulled from a shelf hundreds of times. It is a sturdy, durable style that is resistant to mold, insects, and ultraviolet light.

This type of binding is expensive but is necessary for books that will be subject to heavy use. A reputable bookbinder will be familiar with the Library Binding Standard and Guide.



Original Library Binding

Original library binding is the type of bookbinding done on books that are created specifically for libraries. These books are bound to withstand heavy usage and are usually made of thicker paper. They can have a dust jacket or can be hardcover.

Often, the covers are covered with buckram which is a bulky cotton fabric designed to resist wear and tear. It is often coated with acrylic which gives it a resistance to water, mold and insects. The title and call number of the book are then hot-stamped on the spine in a font that is clearly identifiable.

This style of binding also differs from edition binding because it is generally done on individual titles sent to the bindery one at a time. As a result, it has been outsourced from most libraries because they simply did not generate enough materials to keep a large in-house bindery staffed. This has led to a concentration of library binders in a small number of areas across the country.

After-Market Library Binding

Library binding is a type of binding made specifically for books and periodicals to help them stand up to stress, wear and tear, and use. It’s a strong and durable form of binding that can increase the value of your book by making it more aesthetically appealing, sturdy, and easy to read.

This type of binding can be done in two ways. The first is original library binding where the books are bound this way originally as they are printed, for use in libraries. The second is after-market library binding where a paperback or hardcover book is rebound with this type of binding.

This type of binding uses buckram - a thick cotton cloth that is often coated with acrylic, for added durability. This fabric can be heat-foil stamped with any necessary information to make identification easier. Buckram is also water, mold, and insect resistant. This makes it the ideal material for library binding. It can be made in a variety of colors to suit the desired look for the book.

Rebinding

Library rebinding is a service provided by bookbinders to strengthen paperback books and repair damaged ones. This type of rebinding is typically done for school books or used books donated to libraries that have undergone a lot of wear and tear from heavy use.

The most common method of library rebinding involves sewing the loose pages together using a technique called "oversewing." First, the spine is milled or cut off, leaving a collection of bundles of loose pages that are then sewn together with an overlock stitch. The completed book block is then set into a heavy case.

Library rebinding is an important way for libraries to preserve written stories and poems, and make them available for future generations. In addition to ensuring that the content is preserved, this type of binding also looks attractive and professional on any shelf.

Covering Materials

Library binding is designed to withstand lots of use by different people, so it requires tough covering materials. The most durable form of library binding is hardcover. This form of book binding is extremely strong and offers a more organized look on large bookshelves.

This type of binding also includes buckram, which is a sturdy cotton cloth that is often coated with acrylic - a kind of material that resists water, mold, and ultra-violet light. Buckram comes in a variety of colors. This cloth can be used to reinforce paperback books or to cover hardcover books.

Whenever possible, the original sewing should be preserved in fragile and special volumes. However, if the original sewing is severely deteriorated, the book should be recased instead. This process can be expensive and should be reserved for books that are very valuable. It is best to consult a professional bookbinder if you want your library bound book to have the highest durability and look.



Resource list:

Libraries and Archives | USAGov
Library of Congress is the research library that officially serves the United States Congress and is the de facto national library of the United States.