* * * * *
WHEN TO BIND OR WHEN
TO MEND
The question when to bind or when to mend is of daily recurrence, and a
decision must be made upon the examination of every circulating book
returned, before placing it on the shelves. The answer will depend
largely on the policy of the library regarding the binding question.
No library can afford to circulate shabby, soiled or ragged books,
because:
(1) From an economic standpoint, a book's ultimate usefulness, or
life, is materially shortened by neglect to bind at first sign of
need.
(2) When books are given proper care by the library, standards are
set which insure a like treatment on the part of the reading public.
(3) The reading public has a right to expect that its books shall be
clean and whole, and that its property shall be in proper condition
for satisfactory use.