=THE BINDING AND CARE OF LIBRARY BOOKS.=
=Library Binding.=—The average library is spending about six percent
of its total income on binding. The newer and smaller libraries spend
less because their books have not yet come to need the binder’s
attention. The older and larger libraries spend more because of the
large number of books needing to be rebound and the numerous
periodicals taken.
The essentials of good library binding are durability, flexibility,
neatness, high grade of materials and suitability of style. Library
bookbinding is distinct from the ordinary machine made “case” or
publisher’s cloth binding and the decorative binding favored by
bibliophiles and amateurs. The weak points in modern book making are
poor paper, imperfect sewing, poor attachment of the book to the cover,
lack of flexibility in the back and joint, perishable leather and cloth
used in the binding. The results are that leaves become loosened, the
joints broken and the linings of the hollow backs come off and the
boards separate. The present tendency is to strengthen weak joints by
using double boards, inserting between them the linings and tapes on
which the book is sewn.
Much of the durability of a binding depends upon the quality of glue
used. The cost of glue used on a book cannot always be determined by
the price paid per pound, since the cheaper glue will not cover as much
surface as the higher grade glue which absorbs more water. The cheap
article is a great detriment to the life of the paper, the free opening
of the book and the flexibility of the back. “Flexible glue” as made in
this country is a misnomer. To say the least it is not all that the
manufacturers claim for it.
=Leather.=—The old saying that there is nothing like leather for wear
no longer holds true. Modern leather is much less durable than old
leather. Modern leather bindings decay mainly because of improper
methods of tanning, the use of dried and cured skins of inferior
quality; the use of acids and other injurious agents in the bleaching
and dyeing processes, the removal of the natural oils and the splitting
and artificial graining of the skins. Red and some shades of brown are
the colors found to be most durable. Many of the bright colored dyes
seem to hasten decay. Leathers that look alike may wear very
differently. Names applied to various grades mean less and less. The
experience of recent years with the leathers used in book binding has
led librarians to a wider use of book cloths of various kinds.
=Cloth.=—The cloths most in favor are (1) buckram, which if made in
the United States, is a strong cotton cloth, suitable for books of
average size subject to a fair amount of wear. The “library buckram,”
made by the Holliston Mills, Norwood, Mass., and the “legal buckram,”
made by the Joseph Bancroft Sons Co., of Wilmington, Del., are made
according to the specifications drawn up by the Bureau of Standards for
use on government documents. (2) Duck, or canvas, is the heaviest cloth
used in binding and is especially advised for newspapers and heavy
periodicals which are seldom used. (3) Imperial morocco cloth is
frequently used on fiction and juveniles. It does not take lettering as
easily as the buckram. (4) Keratol is a washable cloth which is used by
some binders on the sides of fiction and juveniles bound in half
leather. It should never be used for full binding.
=Preservation.=—Bindings should not be exposed to the direct rays of
the sun and the temperature of the building should not exceed
70 degrees Fahrenheit. Good ventilation is a great aid to book
preservation. Dampness affects injuriously both the binding and paper.
If leather bound books are handled much the oil from the hands keeps
the leather in fair condition. For leather books not often consulted,
the necessary oil should be supplied by application. Vaseline has been
used with success, but a more generally satisfactory preservative is
the following: Pure castor-oil with one half of its weight of paraffin
wax heated in an earthen jar until the wax melts. Apply with a flannel
cloth, paying special attention to the backs and joints. Use sparingly
but rub thoroughly. Then wipe with a clean flannel.
=Care of Books.=—In order to insure the proper handling of books by
the public, the staff must set a good example in this respect. Care
should be used in opening a new book so as to loosen but not break the
joints of the binding. Careless cutting of the leaves produces a ragged
appearance which is not conducive to increased respect for the volume,
after it gets out into circulation. Suitable paper cutters with smooth
dull edges should be provided and nothing else used. Don’t trust the
public to cut the leaves of new books or magazines. Many reputable
people are worse than careless in this matter.
Books should not be piled up very high, nor wedged into overcrowded
shelves. They must be kept dry. Dampness is destructive to both paper
and binding.
Do not turn books face downwards when open, nor allow others to
do so without politely calling their attention to this piece of
thoughtlessness. Books should be used for reading and for nothing else.
Open them gently and try not to let them fall. Do not try to carry too
many at one time.
Cleanliness is a great help to book preservation. A habit of constant
watchfulness for books needing repairs should be developed by every
member of the staff. “A stitch in time saves nine” in a library if
anywhere.