This basic design gives excellent protection to the book at its head and tail, as well as to the spine and fore-edge. The sides are protected from abrasion against the adjacent book. The identifier for the book, such as its catalog number, is also placed on this cover if the spine is not already stamped. The simplicity of the design is such that its construction can very easily be mastered by technical staff. Our bookbinder provides some instruction and supervision to start, but after a short period no supervision is needed.
Librarian staff are very pleased with the result.
It is easy to handle, looks good on the shelves, and because it is quite quick to make, they can see that progress is being made in improving the storage of this collection. With two contractors working part-time, the project has been progressing steadily since 1987. Some 3,000 octavo volumes have been boxed and returned to the shelves. They are holding up well to moderate use, with no signs of sideways slumping. Work has recently commenced on larger volumes, with no modification of method being necessary.