Processing & Repair

Processing in the library world means the physical preparation of items before they can be placed onto library shelves for students and other patrons to borrow. From barcodes and putting book jackets on books to adding them to your library system, each school library may have their own processing procedures. Below are some basic procedures for processing new items.

1. Apply item specific identifiers (e.g. barcode, spine labels) to the item where appropriate

2. Apply any labels or stamps with school or library name

3. Apply protective book covers as needed (e.g. book jacket, laminate)

4. Add item to catalog

5. Shelve/display item

See the Wakelet above for additional processing and book repair information, resources, and vendors.

Repair

See below for some suggested criteria to consider whether an item should be kept and needs only a simple repair (e.g. tip-ins, page mending, spine reinforcement) or if it should be weeded. Books requiring a full rebinding, or items that are so damaged as to require special repair materials not stocked by the library, might cost more to repair than to replace and should be considered for weeding. The cost effectiveness of replacement vs repairing the item will factor into any decision, as well as budget constraints.

Sample criteria for repair:

• Item is heavily circulated and would be difficult to replace.

• Item may be easily cleaned and/or repaired with filmoplast, clear tape, glue and/or cardboard, etc.

  • Page tip-ins - see the Library of Congress video

  • Page tears - see the Library of Congress video

  • Hinge retightening - see the Library of Congress video

  • Spine reinforcement - see the Library of Congress video

Please also see these book repair videos from Demco

Good book repair supplies to be kept on-hand:

• Bone folder

• Filmoplast

• Clear book tape

• Hinge/binder tape

• Glue

• Cardboard and cardstock

• Tissue paper

• Goo-gone (for cleaning)

See the Wakelet above for additional processing and book repair information, resources, and vendors.