Binding Books and Paperbacks

Choosing the right binding class for a book will depend on several factors:

Library preferences for covering materials, stamping orientation, and book construction
Physical aspects of the paperback book such as the method of leaf attachment, size, and weight
And most important of all -- the expected use of the book

The following general guidelines are provided to aid you in choosing a category for rebinding books.

If retaining the original sewing structure is desired, the book can be recased by binding as a Sewing Option. There is an extra charge for retaining the original sewing.
When there is no original sewing structure or a less expensive binding class is desired, use the following guidelines.
1. For books that are expected to be heavily used, e.g., Webster's Dictionary, or are over 2 pounds, the Adhesive Bind class should be chosen.
2. Books that will have normal use should be bound according to size.
  1. Books that are oblong (longer from spine to fore edge than from top to bottom) should be bound as an Adhesive Bind if greater than 8 inches wide, and as an Acmebind if less than 8 inches wide
  2. If greater than 1-1/2 inches thick, select the Adhesive Bind
  3. If 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches thick select the Acmebind
  4. If less than 3/4 inch thick, use the Norlam or Norcloth
3. To retain original paperback cover, choose Norlam or Copy Cover.

The following information lists the characteristics of each class of binding used for rebinding of paperback books. They are listed in order of quality, durability, and price. The most durable and expensive appear first. Distinguishing features of each class relative to other classes are in bold italic.

Sewing Option (08)

Select if the book has a sewn text block and the original sewing structure is to be retained.
Trimming: bindery checks for folds and narrow margins to determine whether to trim 1/16 inch from the top, bottom and/or fore edge. If original sewing is retained the text block will not be trimmed.
Leaf attachment: bindery selects or reviews the method of leaf attachment, either recasing with original sewing retained, or double-fan adhesive with spine notching if the sewing structure is too weak
Rounding and backing: if appropriate
Spine lining: Cotton cloth
Cover material: Group F buckram
Spine lettering: horizontal or vertical depending on thickness of spine and longest word

Adhesive Bind (05)

Select if the book will receive heavy use, or is over 1-1/2 inches thick, or over 2 pounds, or if F-group buckram cover material and horizontal spine lettering are desired.
Trimming: bindery checks for folds and narrow margins to determine whether to trim 1/16 inch from the top, bottom and/or fore edge
Rounding and backing: if appropriate
Spine lining: Stretchable cotton cloth
Cover material: Group F buckram
Spine lettering: horizontal or vertical depending on thickness of spine and longest word

Acmebind (09)

Select when books are between 3/4 and 1-1/2 inches thick, or oblong (longer from spine to fore edge than from top to bottom) up to 8 inches wide and C-grade book cloth and vertical spine lettering are acceptable.
Trimming: bindery checks for folds and narrow margins to determine whether to trim 1/16 inch from the top, bottom and/or fore edge
Leaf attachment: double-fan adhesive with spine notching
Rounding and backing: if appropriate
Spine lining: Stretchable cotton cloth
Cover material: C-grade book cloth (a lighter weight cloth)
Spine lettering: vertical only

Norcloth (10)

Select when books are less than 3/4 of an inch thick, rounding and backing is not desired, or the least expensive binding is desired and the book is not expected to have heavy use.
Trimming: 1/16 inch trimming -- top, bottom and fore edge margins are not checked
Leaf attachment: double-fan adhesive, no spine notching
Rounding and backing is omitted, all books are flat back
Spine lining: Stretchable cotton cloth
Cover material: C-grade book cloth (a lighter weight cloth)
Spine lettering: vertical only

Norlam (11)

Select when books are less than 3/4 of an inch thick, original paperback cover is integral to the book, rounding and backing is not desired, and the book is not expected to have heavy use. Copy covers are often a better choice for paperbacks that benefit from saving the graphics and labeling that appear on the original cover. Most libraries request copy covers for all products designated as Norlam.
Trimming: 1/16 inch trimming -- top, bottom and fore edge margins are not checked
Leaf attachment: double-fan adhesive, no spine notching
Rounding and backing is omitted, all books are flat back
Spine lining: Stretchable cotton cloth
Cover material: original paperback cover color copied onto reinforced cover weight paper (copy cover) or, polyester laminated.
Spine lettering: no lettering