[PADG:1216] Re: string or rubber bands for gathering binding units?

["Jane Cullinane" <JCullinane@xxxxxxxxx>]

We've tried taping a strip of adding machine paper tape around text
blocks but it tears easily. We ended up having to put an elastic band
over the paper tape. That didn't work very well either.

We're back to elastic bands and not happy about it because they do
sometimes cut the covers or erode the edges of the text block if any
pages stick out a little.

We tried extra large, red elastic bands but the red dye rubs off on the
text block. Now we use slightly smaller beige-yellow elastic bands which
do not leave a mark. They are about 6 3/4 in. long and came from Office
Max, size 117.

Perhaps others will reply to the list or Jeanne will summarize the
responses. I'd be happy to find a better way to do this.
--Jane C.

>>> jdre@xxxxxxx 9/27/06  4:58 PM >>>
We received a message from our binder recently asking that we stop
using string to gather together the separate issues of a journal title
and instead to use rubber bands.  The binder has offered to provide the
rubber bands but has also asked that we stop tying in any case as it
takes them more time for processing.  My experience is that using rubber
bands are more likely to tear the covers than string is.  I would be
interested in hearing from others on this topic.

Jeanne Drewes

Jeanne Drewes
Chief, Binding & Collections Care
Library of Congress
jdre@xxxxxxx 
202 707 5330