Library Binding
The Preparation and Processing Section (part of the Preservation Services Division) is responsible for providing binding preparation for the Library's General Collections and Copyright deposits.
Binding preparation includes binding services for: newly cataloged, unbound monographs; retrospective collections; and for unbound serial issues cumulated and processed by custodial divisions. The Section coordinates these activities using the enhanced version of the Advanced Bindery Library Exchange (ABLE 7.0) web-based software, which replaced the outdated Library Automated Retrieval System (LARS) at the Library in March 2012.
Left: Vintage bindings. Center: Books ready to be bound. Right: Bound books waiting for shelving.
The Library has tested a variety of commercially available pressure-sensitive labels and has developed specifications for call number labels and barcode labels affixed to the exterior of the book, and for Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) barcode labels affixed within the book. See the Library's Preservation Supply Specifications (700 series) for additional information.
Collections Care
The General Collections Care Section (part of the Conservation Division) provides treatment and housing for the Library's general research collections on a large scale in a cost-effective manner, filling the gap between the two options of single-item conservation treatment and commercial library binding to address damaged collections. Treated items are out of circulation for a minimal amount of time and retain significant artifactual and informational components.
Collections conservation treatment employs accepted conservation practices and materials, but is accomplished on a production scale through batch treatment of similar condition problems (e.g., tip-ins; page mending; recasing; creating or mending covers; text-block consolidation; facsimile creation to replace damaged or missing leaves); separate preparation of an extensive, but standardized array of repair materials; and strict adherence to standardized methods and procedures with quality control in lieu of extensive documentation.
Left: Book undergoing treatment. Center: Pre-cut supplies for repairing books. Right: Book drying in a book press.
Left: A digital book measurer captures the necessary measurements to make a custom-fit box. Center: AutoCAD software enables full control of box design. Right: The automated boxcutting machine cuts the custom box out of preservation quality board.
Brittle, extremely damaged, or moldy materials are reviewed for replacement. Non-standard format items (e.g., spiral bindings, non-rectangular-shaped books) may require protective enclosures. Custom-fitted enclosures, or housings, are efficiently measured and cut from preservation-quality board using an automated box-cutting machine system.
Contact
Preservation Services Division
Adrija Henley, Chief
[email protected]
Conservation Division
Elmer Eusman, Chief
[email protected]
