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

• Whether the library wants to have the bindery perform collation activities such as removing covers and advertisements and custom placement of title page, index, and table of contents.
• Whether the library wants the bindery to check for: correct sequence of issues, how much to trim the volume, and what leaf attachment method should be used.
• The expected use of the book

The following information lists the characteristics of each class used for binding periodicals. They are listed in order of the amount of work required of the bindery, the physical construction and durability of the book, and by price. Distinguishing features of each binding class relative to other classes are in bold italic.

Custom Periodical(01)

• Select only if the bindery is required to remove ads from the front and back of each issue; re-position the title page, contents, index and/or supplements within the volume according to instructions and the library wants the bindery to check for proper issue sequence/missing issues and make decisions regarding trimming and leaf attachment.
• Collation: Covers &/or ads at front and back of each issue are removed; custom placement of title page contents, index, and supplements; issues checked for correct sequence
• Trimming: bindery uses library's instructions and/or checks for folds and narrow margins to determine whether to trim 1/8 inch from the top, bottom and/or fore edge. If margins are determined to be too narrow, bindery may choose to hand trim (no trim) or trim only 1/16 of an inch.
• Leaf attachment: bindery selects or reviews the method of leaf attachment, either sewing through-the-fold by machine or hand , double-fan adhesive with spine notching, or oversewing.
• Rounding and backing: if appropriate
• Spine lining: varies depending on leaf attachment style: adhesive bind uses a stretchable cotton cloth; sew through-the-fold uses single cotton cloth lining with acid-free paper reinforcement; oversewing uses single spine lining of cotton cloth.
• Cover material: Group F buckram
• Spine lettering: horizontal or vertical depending on thickness of spine and longest word

Standard Periodical (02)

• Select if the book is expected to receive moderate to heavy use and/or the library wants the bindery to check for proper issue sequence/missing issues and make decisions regarding trimming and leaf attachment.
• Collation: issues checked for correct sequence (library responsible for all other collation activities)
• Trimming: bindery uses library's instructions and/or checks for folds and narrow margins to determine whether to trim 1/8 inch from the top, bottom and/or fore edge. If margins are determined to be too narrow, bindery may choose to hand trim (no trim) or trim only 1/16 of an inch.
• Leaf attachment: bindery selects or reviews the method of leaf attachment, either sewing through-the-fold by machine or hand , double-fan adhesive with spine notching, or oversewing.
• Rounding and backing: if appropriate
• Spine lining: varies depending on leaf attachment style: adhesive bind uses a stretchable cotton cloth; sew through-the-fold uses single cotton cloth lining with acid-free paper reinforcement; oversewing uses single spine lining of cotton cloth.
• Cover material: Group F buckram
• Spine lettering: horizontal or vertical depending on thickness of spine and longest word

Budget Periodical (03)

• Select when the volume is expected to receive light use and notched double-fan adhesive binding and trimming are always acceptable
• Collation: no collation, volume is bound as received (library responsible for all collation activities)
• Trimming: 1/8 inch trimming -- top, bottom and fore edge margins are not checked
• Leaf attachment: double-fan adhesive with spine notching
• Rounding and backing is omitted, all books are flat back
• Spine lining: Stretchable cotton cloth
• Cover material: Group F buckram
• Spine lettering: horizontal or vertical depending on thickness of spine and longest word

Lumbind (04)

• Generally selected as a temporary binding when issues are missing but may be added later and/or the volume is expected to receive very light use and notched double-fan adhesive binding and trimming are always acceptable
• Collation: no collation, volume is bound as received (library responsible for all collation activities)
• Trimming: 1/8 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: uncovered binders board, C-grade book cloth (a lighter weight cloth) on spine only
• Spine lettering: horizontal or vertical depending on thickness of spine and longest word