_Will it be cheaper to mend a book and, when its short life is done,
withdraw and replace with a new copy?_
YES, when the original cost is less than rebinding.
NOTE--In the decision to replace, the labor of accessioning and
withdrawal must always be taken into account.
The fresh, clean copies of the "easy books" and other good,
inexpensive juvenile books are to be preferred to rebound copies. If
the original binding is so poor that a second copy would shortly be
in the same condition as the first, it is then advisable to send the
book promptly to the bindery for recasing, preferably before
circulating.
Greater durability is thus insured. If the book has an attractive
original cover it is preserved and the value of the book enhanced
thereby.
YES, when the paper is of such poor quality that the leaves break away
from the stitching.
YES, when the book is extremely soiled; replace, even if it costs more
than rebinding.
YES, when a new edition, or better books on the same subject have been
published.
In replacing fiction, inexpensive editions are available for many
popular titles in the Grosset & Dunlap edition, Burt Home Library,
Everyman's Library, etc.
Some inexpensive editions rebind and wear as well as the first
editions. Others because of narrow margins or quality of paper do
not pay to rebind. A little observation and experience will soon
prove what titles can be rebound to advantage.
THE MENDING TABLE:
ITS SUPPLIES
A piece of glass or white oil cloth, cut to fit the size of the table,
will be found most conducive to cleanliness, as it can be quickly and
easily washed.
PASTE. Mixed paste or powder form. See page 12.
CLOTH. White outing flannel, cheese cloth and cheap grade of canton
flannel, purchased by the yard at any dry goods store.
Art Vellum in assorted colors, cut in strips.
Muslin cut in strips.
PAPER. Onion skin bond, cockle finish, 9 lb. weight cut into strips
for use; tissue paper.
BRUSHES. Flat, rubber-set photographer's brush, about 1 inch wide;
also artist's round bristle 1/2 inch thick.
SCISSORS. Slender, six-inch blade, good quality.
KNIFE. Shoemaker's long blade, square at end, or common paring-knife
purchased at hardware store.
FOLDER. Bone, purchased at stationer's.
NEEDLES. Sharps, No. 1, or any strong and not too coarse darning
needle.
THREAD. Hayes' linen, No. 25; Barbour's linen, No. 40.
PRESSING TINS. 6 x 8 in., obtained at tin shop. Zinc is pleasanter
to use and will not rust.
CLEANSERS. Wash for pages; wash for book covers; powdered pumice
stone; art gum, sponge rubber.
SHELLAC. Consult local druggist or paint dealer regarding the best
white shellac.
PRESS. An old letter-press can usually be purchased locally for a
small sum. Prices on new copying press 10 x 12 in. obtained of
local stationer. If press is not secured, old pieces of marble
can be used. Bricks covered with paper make good pressing weights.
A local bindery or any binder's supply house will furnish mending
materials; also price list and samples of materials may be obtained from
the following:
Democrat Printing Co., Madison, Wisconsin.
Gaylord Bros., Syracuse, New York.