Q&A

Protecting your book covers?

Posted by Amber W. on April 17, 2025 at 22:58 in Miscellaneous

Hello!

I am wondering if other church librarians use clear contact paper (or something similar) to wrap their books and protect their book covers?  Or is it common to put books into circulation without any sort of wrap?  

Our church library has wrapped each of our paperback books in contact paper before being put in the library for circulation, but I'm wondering if this is necessary going forward.  It takes a long time and the cost of contact paper is a consideration, as well.  

I am wondering if there are libraries that have not protected their paperback books, and how they have held up over the years.

Thank you for your feedback!

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Replies

  • Morlee Maynard April 28, 2025 10:29

    Microsoft Copilot:

    Protecting book covers in libraries is essential for maintaining their longevity and appearance. Here are some effective methods:

    1. Plastic Covers: Use adjustable or exact-size plastic covers for both hardcover and paperback books. Polyester covers are highly durable and safe for archival materials2.

    2. Dust Jacket Covers: For hardcover books with dust jackets, transparent covers with paper liners can protect the graphics while adding durability.

    3. Tape Reinforcement: Reinforce the spine and corners of paperback books with clear, acid-free tape to prevent wear and tear.

    4. Lamination: Laminate paperback covers to make them more resistant to damage. Ensure the lamination material is acid-free to avoid deterioration over time.

    5. Storage Practices: Store books upright and avoid overcrowding shelves to prevent bending or warping.

    6. Regular Maintenance: Inspect books periodically for damage and repair them promptly to extend their lifespan.

    Would you like more details on any of these methods?

     
    What types of plastic covers are best for archival books?What happens if book covers are not protected?Are there best practices for overall library book
     
    Source: DEMCO
    • Morlee Maynard > Morlee Maynard April 28, 2025 10:32

      Do you agree or disagree with what Microsoft Copilot came up with to this question?

       

      • Paul T. Jackson > Morlee Maynard April 28, 2025 16:27

        Hi Morlee.

        I don't use Copilote; I'm not sure, but I thought I read that there is a fee for using it, which is Microsoft's AI agent.

        I do use AI, but the response hear, I think one would want to include the various resources --where to buy as well. Like where to you find "acid free" lamination. And maybe how to lamenate a book.

        I was asking ChatGPT yesterday how to convert a cxt file; It was quite thorough and even offered, and did, write a python program for me to use.

        So yes, I think using AI can help inform us librarians as well as patrons on their questions.

         

  • Roxy Klassen April 23, 2025 19:52

    We have not covered our paperback books and they have held up pretty well. A few that got covered at some point in the past look worse because they start to pull up. We do use mylar to cover all jackets for hardbacks.

    • Amber W. > Roxy Klassen April 23, 2025 21:06

      Thank you for your response! Great points. 

  • Karen Pippenger April 23, 2025 16:57

    Amber, In the past, I did use contact paper on paperback books. We had more circulation at that time. Now, I do not and the books hold up well.  After a few years, the contact paper does start to kind of wrinkle and not look as nice.  For the hardback books, I definitely would recommend using the mylar covers. It makes the books look nice (like the public library) and protects the paper covers.

    Karen Pippenger

    Brookside Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana

    • Amber W. > Karen Pippenger April 23, 2025 21:06

      Thanks so much for your feedback! 

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