Exploring

Library Binding

Binding Options

The many options available for library binding of historical items can be confusing to those with little experience in the field. Always remember that if a volume has artifactual value, it should never be library bound; it must be treated by a conservator instead. Any volumes to be library bound must have paper that is not too brittle and is strong enough to withstand the binding process. When making binding decisions, keep the following general guidelines in mind.

Preserve the original signatures and sewing by choosing from the following options:

• Recasing—If the original sewing is intact, the volume should receive a new case (e.g., new boards and covering that are attached to the text block by gluing them to the endsheets).
• Resewing and recasing—If the sewing is deteriorated, the book should be resewn through the original sewing holes (by hand or machine) if possible, even though this can be an expensive option. The volume should then be recased.
• Double-fan adhesive binding—Volumes that cannot be recased should usually be double-fan adhesive bound. In this type of binding, the spine is milled, and a machine applies adhesive to the leaves as they are fanned back and forth.
• Oversewing—This technique (machine sewing of single leaves at an angle through prepunched holes) could be needed for very heavy and thick text blocks, but oversewn volumes often do not open well, and the sewing can easily tear the pages if they become brittle in the future. This option should be avoided if at all possible.

When rebinding materials from historical collections, there are some additional issues to consider:

• No-trim policy—Specify that the binder should not trim the edges of the text block unless the page edges are damaged or the pages are uncut. Otherwise, any images or text that extend to the edges of the pages will be lost.
• Paper repairs—If paper repairs are needed, a paper-based pressure-sensitive tape with acrylic adhesive should be used (document repair tape, available from conservation suppliers). It is important, however, to remember that these repair tapes are only reversible with the use of organic solvents. A conservator would be needed if a volume is later reclassified into special collections. If the book has value as an artifact and would merit page repairs done with Japanese paper, it should not be library bound.