LIBRARY COLLECTION CARE

Angie Schoeneck, Product Development Manager, Demco, Inc.

Collection acquisition and management remains a significant component of library
operations. Prepping materials at the outset to withstand the unknown elements of
circulating life will reduce the need for repairs later.

Taking Stock of Your Material Processing

No one has yet been able to automate the labeling or covering of materials. As
libraries seek ways to become more efficient, material processing may present
opportunities. There have been advancements in material composition and updated
designs for time-saving application methods.

8 Essentials for Collection Protection

Labels

• With so many labels used in material processing, these can become unwieldy. In addition to bar code labels, there are a variety of label styles and colors used for color coding, numerous genre labels if you categorize beyond straight Dewey Decimal, and endless possibilities for custom labels.
• Take inventory of your label collection, and identify where you use them.
• Categorize and organize your labels. Even label your labels to help staff find what they need.
• If you purchase labels and label protectors consider transitioning to an all-in-one label with built-in label protector to save time.

Book Covers & Laminate
There are two critical factors that influence the choices you make for your book protection, material and mil. Most other decisions are based on the preference of the library staff.

• Material Selection: There are four types of materials available in either a gloss or matte finish.
  • Polyester: A stiffer material with a glossy finish that tends to crease cleanly.  Available for book jacket covers only.
  • Polypropylene:  A softer material that provides and retains natural flexibility and resists stains. Available for book jacket covers and laminate.
  • Vinyl:  A flexible, tear-resistant material. Available for book jacket covers and laminate
  • Polyolefin:  The most flexible material that is non-yellowing with a matte finish. It removes clearly, leaving no adhesive residue behind. Available as laminate only.
    
    
• Mil Thickness:  Mil is a typical manufacturing dimension, and is a thousandth of an inch (.001 inch) thick. A typical credit card is .030, or 3 mil. Laminate material ranges from 2.5 to 5 mil. Book covers range from 1.0 to a 15 mil thickness, and are generally more tear-resistant.

If you are a big user of laminate, you may want to test a new sheet design with truly easy peeling corners.
Books come in all sizes, and therefore, so do book jacket covers.  Keep things organized, labeled, and ready for use.

Tape — A Key Protection and Repair Supply

Tape is used in many ways to protect and repair your book collection, and therefore comes in different strengths and materials.

• Clarity is important when reinforcing book spines, magazine bindings, and repairing pages.
• Mil thickness and tensile strength are important when repairing loose hinges. The higher the number, the stronger the material.
• Filament tape is the strongest, offering up to 380 lb. tensile strength.
• Cloth tape is available in many colors, and can be used as a color coding tool.

In Demco's Solution Center you will find a collection of resources to help you select the right library supplies for your application, as well as how-to-guides. Below is a partial list of featured resources:

• Bar Code Label Basics
• How to Select a Laminate
• Book Jacket Cover Styles
• Label Protectors: Helpful Hints