Volume 7, Number 6
Dec 1983

LC's Mobile Repair Stations

The Library of Congress's Binding Office added a Binding Repair Unit in 1982, which went into operation in May 1983 with two mobile repair stations staffed by two people who were first trained for three months in the Rare Book Conservation Section of the Restoration Office. Since then they have worked in several curatorial divisions and within the Binding Office.

Both text and case repairs are made, and the service is especially appreciated by librarians who are able to have their heavily-used reference volumes quickly mended and back in service. Types of damage dealt with include loose covers and hinges, ripped and loose spines, broken corners, loose endleaves and signatures, minor leaf damage, errata sheets or replacement pages to be inserted, and loose material needing a pocket. The mending personnel also act as liaison with reference librarians on shelving matters, and as messengers taking rush books to the bindery. All work is limited to what can be done in one or two days for each book.