Library Bookbinding. Arthur Low Bailey

MENDING MATERIALS

       TOOLS

       CLEANING

       MENDING

       RECASING BOOKS

       RECOVERING

       RE-SIDING

       REINFORCING

       MAGAZINE OR PAMPHLET COVERING

       LABELING

       LETTERING

       CHAPTER XI

       MAGAZINE BINDERS

       CHAPTER XII

       PAMPHLETS

       CHAPTER XIII

       BINDERY IN THE LIBRARY BUILDING

       APPENDIXES

       APPENDIX A

       SPECIFICATIONS OF THE U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS FOR BOOK CLOTHS

       FABRIC

       THICKNESS, TENSILE STRENGTH AND WEIGHT

       ABSORPTION OF MOISTURE

       FOLDING ENDURANCE

       COLOR

       RESISTANCE TO MOLD AND INSECTS

       TESTS

       APPENDIX B

       READING LIST ON BINDING

       APPENDIX C

       LIST OF TECHNICAL TERMS

       INDEX

PREFACE

       Table of Contents

      It has been the purpose of the writer in these chapters on library bookbinding to set forth as clearly as possible the best information relating to processes, materials, routine and various other lesser matters pertaining to bookbinding which must be taken into consideration by librarians, or by assistants in charge of binding departments. Although much of this information exists elsewhere in printed form, it is scattered through various books and articles. In some respects, therefore, this book is a gathering together of scattered material. It is hoped, however, that there is enough new material to make the book of interest to those who deal daily with binding problems, and that the book as a whole may help to solve some of the questions relating to binding in libraries both large and small.

      Most books on binding and all books on library binding have devoted some space to paper, its composition, manufacture, finish and use. As the subject is so fully dealt with elsewhere it has not been included here. Those who are interested will find full information in the technical books on paper, in Mr. Dana's "Notes on book binding for libraries," and in Messrs. Coutts and Stephen's "Manual of library binding." There is also an excellent article on wood pulp paper in the Scientific American of October 4, 1913.

      Nor has it seemed desirable to include chapters on commercial binding nor on historical bindings. Both of these subjects are treated adequately in Coutts and Stephen's "Manual." The present writer has limited his discussion to matters dealing directly with the binding of books for libraries.

      In one or two cases the same subject has been treated in two different chapters because the subject matter belonged in both places, and in neither case would the discussion be complete without it.

      A. L. B.

      December 9, 1915.

LIBRARY BOOKBINDING

       Table of Contents

CHAPTER I

       Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

       Table of Contents

      An examination of the annual reports of libraries in the United States shows that from four to eight per cent of the total income is spent for binding; the amounts ranging from $2,000 to over $40,000 a year for this one item. It must be admitted that these are large sums and that a knowledge of binding materials and processes is necessary in order to spend this money wisely. In many libraries the appropriation for books includes binding and periodicals. It is evident, therefore, that every dollar saved on binding can be devoted to the purchase of books. And what librarian does not desire more money for new books?

      In spite of the importance of the subject a great deal of ignorance has prevailed in years past, and far too many librarians of the present day fail to realize that here is one place where money can be easily wasted. Possibly one reason for the ignorance about binding is that, except in a minor degree, it does not directly affect the public, for librarians are quick to make changes which will increase the interest of the public in the library. Another reason is that experiments are necessary; and since it takes time to draw conclusions from experiments, definite rules have not been formulated.

      In fact, experiments are still being