[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
[padg] Re: deferred binding of paperbacks
Title: Re: [padg] deferred binding of paperbacks
At the University of Michigan Library we have been applying “deferred binding” of paperbacks for nearly 20 years now. I encourage the libraries to send the following categories of materials for binding up front, pre-shelving for the first time:
- thin (under 1/4 in.) bindings and pamphlets
- landscape, oversize, or other odd-shape bindings that are not supported on the shelf
- loose-leaf, spiral, or comb bindings
- books with “art” covers, cut-outs, or other inherently fragile structures
Other paperbacks go to the shelf. They will be sent out for binding after returning from the first use; some of the smaller libraries let the book slide through several uses before snagging it for binding.
On the whole, the paperbacks are holding up well to this level of use and to storage on the shelf. Part of our assumption in this system is that it is cheaper to replace the occasional volume than to spend the money on binding everything up front. In fact, I’m not aware of a recent need to replace a failed paperback. If the paper is strong, we can almost always rebind it. The greatest risk is loosing text or graphics on the paper cover (if it becomes torn or tattered during circulation).
My general observation is that in general publisher’s paperback binding in the last couple decades has been getting stronger, while publisher’s hardback binding over the same period has been getting weaker. Some libraries that bring in quantities of paperbacks from some regions of the world may want to apply different standards to those volumes: the binding is weaker and the effort of replacing the book is greater.
--
Shannon Zachary
Preservation & Conservation
University Library, University of Michigan
From: <ademarinis@xxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: <padg@xxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:22:03 -0500
To: <padg@xxxxxxx>
Subject: [padg] deferred binding of paperbacks
Can anyone report on recent results from the practice of sending new paperbacks
directly to the stacks as-is -- wihout stiffening, kapco, or commercial
binding? Do they hold-up well? Do they create shelving problems? I've seen
some discussion on this in the archive a few years back.
-----------------------
Anthony De Marinis
Preservation Librarian
Washington University Libraries
Campus Box 1061
St. Louis, MO 63130
tele: 314-935-4287
fax: 314-935-6353
email: ademarinis@xxxxxxxxx