When books are sent to the binding department they should be sorted into the following groups:
Books to be (a) rebound, (b) recased, (c) recovered, (d) mended, (e) discarded; to have (f) new sides, (g) new labels, (h) new book cards or pockets.
When menders are employed all except those in the first group may be cared for in the library.
In sorting the books the question of whether to rebind or repair at the library must be decided for all books, except those in the discarded class and those which need new records (tags, pockets, book cards, etc.). The decision is not always an easy one to make. The kind of library in question, whether public, college, subscription, etc., will influence the decision, as well as the actual condition of the book. A few general rules about mending may help in making decisions.
1. If the book has never been rebound and in all probability must go to the bindery in a few months' time, send to the bindery at once. Mending not only adds nothing to the life of this book, but may easily shorten it.
2. Mend books which have been rebound once but which it would not pay to rebind again. Judicious mending of such books may keep them in service for a long time, but there comes a day when the use gained does not pay for the time put upon them.
3. Mend books which have nearly outlived their usefulness or which are to be withdrawn absolutely when worn out. The question need be decided only when the book is fairly clean, for if very soiled it should be withdrawn at once.
4. Mend books which must be on the library shelves, but which are seldom used.
5. Mend books printed on heavily loaded papers which will not pay to rebind. There are, unfortunately, many of them.
6. Mending cannot be done if the sewing is completely broken, though it is sometimes possible to insert signatures which are loose.