A while back, I asked what binding practices were being used for softcover monographs.
Thanks to all who responded. Here is a summary of their comments.
Ten libraries were heard from. There were variations in practices, but the libraries fell into
two broad categories. Five of them do NOT bind most paperback monographs. Various
guidelines are used if the book shows wear (e.g. bind, replace, withdraw).
The other five libraries bind or reinforce the covers on most softcovers. When a decision is
made to bind a softcover, most of the respondents prefer a cheaper binding than the library
class A buckram binding. Among the alternatives is "permabinding" whereby the original
cover is laminated with clear plastic, glued to pasteboard and reglued to the book. This is a
widely used treatment and some libraries report that it often holds up well over the years. It
costs about half or less than a class A binding.
Another treatment used is often called a "pamphlet binding." Here an inexpensive
pasteboard cover is attached. This is particularly useful for items which are thin and lack an
original cover which is heavier than the inside pages. Cloth-covered cardboard bindings are
also used by some libraries.
Reinforcement of softcovers seems to be increasingly popular. Here a sturdy clear plastic
is laminated to the cover in order to protect it and to keep both the cover and the spine rigid
and avoid having the book slide off the shelf. In contrast to "permabinding," the original cover
is not removed. Library supply catalogs offer several brands. The Kapco Company in Kent,
Ohio, (Tel. 800/843-5368) was recommended as a good source, and we are experimenting with
their products. The acid-free polyester laminate comes in several sizes which often need
trimming to fit the covers of the book in hand. This treatment can be done quickly in-house by
careful staff members. A free instructional video is available.
The question of binding softcover monographs drew some comments about the decision to
purchase softcover versus hardcover when there is a choice. The price differential can be
great and is causing libraries that preferred hard covers to reconsider. One respondent favors
buying the softcover if the difference is more than $20 unless the use is expected to be heavy
enough to justify a hardcover purchase.
Mary Chapman
NYU Law Library
chapmanm@turing.law.nyu.edu
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