CHAPTER XV
Binding Records
By binding records are meant the reports of books sent to the bindery, their return, styles, cost, etc. There are many ways of keeping these. For the small library great simplicity is desirable and possible. The large library usually works out a method adapted to its own conditions.
In sending books to a binder it is usually not necessary to keep any record other than the book card, on which may be written or stamped the word Binder and the date sent. To this may be added a few words or a number indicating material and style. The binder himself is usually content with general instructions for each separate lot, such as, “These 25 vols. bind in half brown cowskin with keratol sides; special sewing.” Some libraries attach a note to the title-page of each book saying how it is to be bound and giving the lettering for the back. This is not often necessary. It is usual to note the latter point on the title page by underscoring the first letter of each word which is to appear on the back. In doing this, reduce the lettering as far as possible by omitting unnecessary words. In most libraries, for example, the new title for “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” can be reduced to advantage to “Huck Finn.”
Special books must be specially marked of course, and books in sets and series should be lettered in the same style throughout. This can be assured by sending a sample volume or a rubbing of the back. The rubbing is got by laying a piece of paper on the back of the volume the style of which is to be copied and rubbing it hard with a large, soft pencil or rub-off wax.
As books are returned they should be checked by whatever record was kept of them. Then their number, sizes and styles should be entered in a book kept for the purpose. From these items the bill will be checked when sent in.