Editing Library binding (section)

== Methods and materials ==
[[File:library bound books.jpg|thumb|The [[buckram]] used to cover library bound books comes in a variety of colors.]]

Most library binders use a method of [[bookbinding]] called [[Oversewn binding|''oversewing'']] to secure the volumes.  Oversewing involves cutting or ''[[milling (machining)|milling]]'' off the spines of the volumes, creating a block of loose pages. Then the loose sheets are combined into small units or ''signatures,'' which are secured with [[overlock]] stitching. The separate signatures then get sewn together, creating a single book block.  Often a piece of linen is glued to the book block spine for further support.  The spine of the volume sometimes is ''rounded ''and ''backed'' to keep the spine from caving in.  But if the paper of the volume is too fragile, or the book block is too thick, the spine is left flat.  The book block is placed in a sturdy cover or ''case'', with special paper covering the inside covers.<ref>{{cite book|last=Boardway|first=David|display-authors=etal|title=Commercial Library Binding|series=Preservation Planning Program: Managing a Library Binding Program|editor-first=Jan|editor-last=Merrill-Oldham|publisher=Association of Research Libraries|location=Washington, D.C.|date=1993}}</ref>

The most common cloth used by library binders to cover the boards of the book is [[buckram]] coated with acrylic. Acrylic coatings are generally resistant to water, mold, insects, and ultra-violet light. The buckram used is a 100% cotton, bulky fabric designed to withstand wear and tear.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Lynn|title=Report on the Manufacture of Book Cloth and Buckram|series=Preservation Planning Program: Managing a Library Binding Program|editor-first=Jan|editor-last=Merrill-Oldham|publisher=Association of Research Libraries|location=Washington, D.C.|date=1993}}</ref> Smaller books may be bound in ''c-cloth'', a lighter weight cloth that may or may not have an acrylic coating.  The information about the volume (such as title and call number) is hot-stamped onto the spine.  Bound serials are typically all bound in the same color of buckram, in order to indicate the relationship of the volumes.