See also print copies of:

1) current Book Repair Treatments and Prices from the Preservation Office

2) A Guide to In-House Book Repair for General Collections

3) A diagram on Book Anatomy.

Because of budgetary constraints, every piece in the library which could benefit from some repair may not be treated unless money from outside funding can be obtained. The Divinity Library does, however, understand preservation of its materials as an integral component to maintaining its collection for public use. Because of the balancing act between budget and need, the following guidelines should be considered when making a decision about repair of damaged materials:

1. Repair (or rebind)
     a. Return to stacks.
     b. Move to Annex

2. Temporarily Repair (Bag, string, enclosure)
     a. Return to stacks
     b. Move to Annex

3. No treatment, but relocate to Annex

4. No treatment and return to stacks

5. Withdrawal and Replace
     a. Replace with existing available microform copy
     b. Replace with reprinted edition, later edition, photocopy

6. Withdrawal with no replacement
     a. Other copies/editions are in collection
     b. Low use, widely held, can rely on ILL

Reasons to CONSIDER Repair by sending to Preservation Office or to the Binding Unit for Commercial Binding

1. If the piece was found because a patron was using it or returned it from circulation.

2. If the piece has a heavy or recent (since 1980’s) circulation record.

3. If the piece has been on reserve recently and/or will be on reserve in the future.

4. If the piece is of high value. If something has been microfilmed by ATLA, we may still want to consider keeping it if it is not held widely in other libraries. Consult with the Director of the Library on such pieces. Faculty members who know something about the subject matter of the piece may also be consulted to determine if a book is a classic of enduring value.

5. If the piece is covered in mold, which may spread to other books, or has been attacked by book worms or other insects, which may also spread to other books. Make sure to check the books around such pieces to guard against spreading.

Reasons to temporarily repair by tying it with a string, placing it in a wrapper, or putting it in a bag to go to the annex.

1. If the piece was found by shelf-reading and has a limited circulation history.

2. If the piece has not been circulated heavily or at all.

3. If the piece is of limited interest (in which case it may be considered for withdrawal).

4. If we have multiple copies of the piece which ensure patron accessibility.

(in which case it may be considered for withdrawal).

---

Return to COLLECTION MAINTENANCE INDEX

Documentation written by Julie Owen
Last updated: March 29, 2002