In-House Bookbinding and Repair is a working document that contains information on setting up both a basic bookbindery and repair lab (i.e. the design, equipment, tools, and supplies needed) and instructions on rebinding and repairing cloth-bound books. Highly illustrated to greater enhance its usefulness, this manual also covers various aspects of book repair and conservation, and contains appendixes on manufacturers and suppliers of materials and products discussed in the text, an extensive Glossary of terms, a separate section on World Wide Web Resources, and a helpful bibliography.

This manual has proven valuable to libraries of all sizes and locations. Library managers and administrators will find it a worthwhile resource as they contemplate the utility of an in-house lab. Library staff charged with bookbinding and book repair will find the manual to be a practical reference tool. The volume is also designed to be used as a primer for related courses in Library and Information Science Studies programs and may be of interest to individuals interested in private practice.

For this second edition, the 2005 manual has been updated and every chapter significantly revised and/or expanded with a view to greatly increasing the book's practical value. Our revisions reflect decades of bench experience in the workshop. The Bibliography and Internet Resources have been updated. Information on manufacturers, suppliers, and supplies has been revised to reflect changes in the marketplace and successful practices. Conservation bookbinding and repair follows old and well-established traditions. Leaving theory and esoteric debate for others, this revised edition is essential reading if you are ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

As I was reading this book, I had one-word that kept coming to mind, and that word was 'wisdom.' The advice in this book is the result of two individuals who have accumulated wisdom from years in the field.... This 2nd edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to be as current as possible. The writing is straightforward which makes it accessible, especially to those just beginning in the field or organizing a new bookbinding and repair shop. There are a number of excellent books on the 'how-to' of repairing books, but this volume excels in this area with numerous drawings to illustrate complex and simple bookbinding tasks.... In-House Bookbinding and Repair is a great book for both the beginner and the experienced binder. A beginner will be able to read the text and have all the bases covered from A to Z with sources and a bibliography full of additional useful resources. An experienced binder will also find value by tapping into the wisdom, tips, and practices this book describes. I would recommend this title for all libraries. * Technical Services Quarterly *
Comprehensive yet highly readable, wise yet witty, this guide should be on the shelf of every bibliophile and librarian interested in the care of books. Well illustrated, it is not simply a handbook on book surgery but an introduction to book anatomy and history as well. -- Edward J. Valauskas, Curator of Rare Books, Lenhardt Library, Chicago Botanic Garden
This is an extremely valuable guide for non-specialists who may need to repair an occasional book or develop a modest binding and repair facility — but it is much more than that. It is an anatomy of books as physical objects with all their many sinews, organs, and protective layers. And above all, this work validates the love that many have for the book as artifact and the fact that these objects can be revered and preserved in an era in which too many materials are considered disposable. -- Thomas Walker, School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Here in clear English is detailed, practical, experience-based information on selecting and designing workshop space, assessing its capabilities and potential problems, practical solutions to common problems, selecting equipment, and thoughts on things one might not think about till it is too late. Definitely explains why James Towmey is a successful binder and why I've used him for years. Sharon McQueen's original text, now updated and refined by Twomey and McQueen, will satisfy the needs of the teacher and the practitioner. -- David Szewczyk, Proprietor, The Philadelphia Rare Books & Manuscripts Company, LLC

Sharon McQueen is an award-winning print culture historian and an Assistant Professor in the Library Science Program of Old Dominion University. She has previously taught for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, Rutgers University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Kentucky.

James Twomey is a renowned book and document conservator. He has published many articles on preservation and for nearly 30 years his clients have included individuals, rare book dealers, collectors, theological seminaries, research libraries, state archives and historical libraries. He currently serves as Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Library & Information Science, Dominican University.