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Library Binding
Standards/Guidelines
The binding industry has adopted formal standards for library binding. The binding industry has adopted formal standards for library binding. At present, ANSI/NISO/LBI Z39.78-2000 Library Binding (PDF) is the library-binding standard of record. .
The goals of modern library binding are:
- to produce a durable and economical binding;
- to alter the text block as little as possible;
- to ensure that the binding itself is as nondamaging as possible; and
- to produce a re-bound volume that will open easily to 180 degrees and stay open as the researcher is working.
Because the Library Binding standard is geared primarily toward professional library binders, it became clear that staff of collections-holding institutions would benefit from additional explanation and discussion of the standard so they could make informed binding decisions. In response, the Library Binding Institute (LBI) sponsored a Guide to the Library Binding Institute Standard for Library Binding, originally published in 1990. This publication is in the process of being updated, and a draft version can be reviewed at the LBI Web site.
