THE task of mending demands so much of the time and energy of library workers and is a factor of such economic importance in every public library that it cannot be put aside as incidental.

It is hoped that these suggestions may give definite aid in this homely task which is ever present in all libraries.

No attempt has been made to give instruction in the advanced processes of mending, as this at once encroaches on the art of binding.

The best mending can be done only where an acquaintance with the construction of the book has been acquired through a study of the various processes of binding. Librarians are urged to visit binderies to see the various processes; and to study the art of binding under personal instruction of experienced binders whenever this is feasible.

It is not probable that any one librarian will use all of the processes suggested, and some of these will apply only to exceptional cases; but the directions cover diversified conditions in order that the librarian may have the necessary information whenever required.

The experienced mender. This handbook has not been prepared for the use of the larger libraries where a bindery is a part of the equipment, or where there are members of the staff trained in binding and hence experienced menders.

The inexperienced mender. The purpose of this handbook is to give practical aid and guidance to librarians who are entirely inexperienced in the work of mending and repair of books and whose knowledge must be gained through self-instruction.

The compilers have drawn upon many sources and have endeavored to make available the suggestions received and methods used by many librarians and practical binders, and grateful acknowledgment is herewith made for the co-operation and helpful suggestions received from them.

Mending and Repair of Books

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.

WHEN TO BIND

When the stitches break and a section or a few leaves fall out, the book should be sent to the bindery immediately.

This is happening daily with the original publishers' bindings. If the book is removed from the shelves the librarian is at once confronted by the problem of being unable to answer the unceasing cry for the last new novel, as it is the fiction which is usually in this condition. However, if the book is allowed to circulate a few more times there are "pages missing" and the book has become valueless.

No book should be rebound with pages missing.

When the stitches have not broken, but either a few or all the sections have become loose:

There is no excuse for the librarian to leave upon her shelves or permit to circulate books that are held together only by the slender threads with which they are sewed and threatening at any moment to come tumbling forth from the cover. Such books speak in no uncertain terms for rebinding or permanent withdrawal from the shelves.

Shall books be sent to the bindery when in greatest demand?

YES, when they cannot be circulated further without permanent injury to them.

Such books should be hastened through the bindery by statement to binder regarding immediate need. If your present binder cannot bind promptly, find one who will.

The prompt rebinding of a book more than doubles its life. If the book has been reinforced at first sign of giving way (see page 16) all the temporary assistance that can safely be given has been rendered and if the book is of permanent value to the library it must be rebound.

WHEN TO MEND

When the stitches are not broken or loosened, and still hold sections firmly together.

When the joints are loose.

When the book has once been rebound.

The tendency among librarians is to mend too much before rebinding. Mending makes rebinding more difficult and jeopardizes the life of the book.

It is only in rare cases, as for example when a book is out of print, and yet valuable to the library, that a second rebinding is justified.

WHEN TO REPLACE

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.