ELEMENTS OF BINDING:
The wear and tear of books and other documents are normal features of most modem libraries. Binding and repair of damaged books and preserving them for longer use . are essential functions of libraries. In this unit, we introduce you to the rudiments of binding, and procedures and routines involved in organising binding and other related work in libraries. After reading this Unit, you will be able to:
• describe the objectives of conservation of library materials;
• outline an appropriate binding policy for a library;
• procedures and routines of binding work in a library; and
• arrange binding work with a basic understanding of the processes and techniques of binding.
That spells out the objectives, policies, procedures and routines of binding. Knowledge of binding work, rudiments of binding and binding materials and a few technical details of binding are essential for organising and managing the binding section of a library. Some of the problems and issues related to library book-binding are presented in this unit with the means and methods of handling them.
Binding is essentially a craft and binding processes are technique-oriented. Hence, a visit to a good bindery and careful observation of the materials and process in binding would help you to get adequate knowledge of binding work. This practical study would serve as a good background for organising and managing binding work in a library.