Bookbinders assemble books from large, flat printed sheets of paper. Skilled bookbinbers operate machines that first fold printed sheets into units or groups of pages ordered sequentially.
Bookbinders sew, stitch or glue the assembled units together.
They shape the book bodies with presses and trimming machines and reinforce them with glued fabric strips. Covers are separately glued, pasted or stitched onto the book bodies. Machines are used extensively in the process. Most bindery workers learn the craft through on the job training. As in most occupations, employers prefer hiring experienced individuals, so those with some knowledge of binding have an advantage in being accepted for employer-provided training.