Library binderies

I would like to urge anyone responsible for commercial binding to take a
whole day and visit their binder. I have been on several two hour tours
of binderies but did not realize how much I was missing until American
Bindery-East invited my library assistant and me to spend the day with
them. This allowed ample opportunity to observe each process and ask
detailed questions. We were able to offer a couple of suggestions in
their processes and exchanged information with the staff actually doing
the work.

The tour make me much more aware of how even the slightest error can
affect the whole binding process; how even the supplies can affect the
quality of the binding. The bindery had just received a new shipment of
flannel for spine lining and started having problems getting it on
properly. An examination of the new order showed that it was slightly
heavier than the previous spine lining even though the same product had
been ordered. Those of us who want top quality binding need to be aware
of all the factors affecting the binding process; both to be able to
work with the bindery to resolve the problems and to be realistic in our
standards. Those who do not know much about binding would find it
extremely helpful so they can prepare their binding to receive a good
end product.

I was astounded at the libraries who sent handwritten binding slips with
their volumes, poor instructions and unrealistic expectations of the
bindery. I would have been very embarrassed to send anything the way
that material was sent. Unluckily, I suspect the people who do this do
not really care about a quality product-- they are only doing it because
they have been told to do it.

American Bindery-East has really worked to improve their product over
the past few months and I am pleased to say that it has greatly improved
over last winter.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 8:36
                Distributed: Thursday, November 10, 1994
                        Message Id: cdl-8-36-005
                                  ***