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Library Supplies Tips
(1) The Problem with the PVC Book Cover
In the past, many Libraries use PVC as the only material for Book cover, without knowing the risk of using such dangerous material.....

Recently , concerns have been raised over health and environmental problems caused by PVC, around the world , Greenpeace and other environmental groups refer to PVC as " The Poison Plastic "

A major component of PVC is chlorine, which can be released during manufacture and heating. PVC manufacture causes the release of large quantities of Dioxin, a deadly chemical which remains in the food chain, concentrating as it moves higher, Dioxin are not easily destroyed, and disposal without further contamination of the environment is difficult at best. PVC manufacture is considered to be largely responsible for Dioxin contamination of waterways in Europe.

Toxic chemicals can also be released from PVC into a room such as in Library , raising further health issues for those who work with this plastic. PVC also produces hydrochloric acid and dioxins if burned. These can lead to increased risk of cancer and respiratory illness.

PVC is being banned around the world, in children toys, medical supplies, and other products. it is consider by many to be too dangerous to use.

In light of these serious concerns, Book cover manufacturers today are moving away from PVC base material and using high quality grade material such as polypropylene or polyester material. Polypropylene is considered by environmental organizations to be one of the best materials for replacing PVC. It produces far lower waste during manufacturing, Once produces it remains inert, and gives off no toxic chemicals. It also have the advantage of being easily recyclable.

Promatech Library Supplies Distribute Polypropylene and Polyester material book cover and supplies. To see our range of book cover for Paper back, hardcover and Jacket roll, or  Click Here for more.

To learn more information about Dioxins and their effects on human health, you may refer to Fact sheets No 225 , June 1999 public by WHO information group. or log on to WHO web site at http://www.who.dk/ ( This URL is not link ) for more detail about PVC, the poison plastic.

Please feel free to print and distribute this information.
 

(2 )Label Protectors Helpful Hints
What They Do For You ?
Label protectors are essential part of material processing, using them will :
*  Extend the life of labels ( eg: barcode, spine, call, subject labels...)
*  Guard labels from marks and dirt to ensure readability.
*  Create a barrier from moisture and the elements
*  Keep labels in place eliminating lifting and peeling
*  Protect barcode from constantly scanned.

Types of Materials
Polyester provides an attractive, crystal clear, glossy finish, it is ideal material for bar code labels as it maintains an accurate, sharp image for scanning. See our Label Protector

Colourd Tinted Polyester same as above, tinted for colour coding. see more Tinted labels

Vinyl : is strong, soft and conformable with a matte finish

Polyolefin : Non glare finish and is more pliable and flexible, because it is softer, it is less likely to show scratches and conform better around book spines.

Various Styles:
* Pre cut size Individual protectors on liners scored at the center . see more information here
* In Dispenser Boxes
* In sheet format
* Continuous un cut roll

How to Apply
Choose a protector size that will overlap the label by at least 1/8" on the top and bottom and overlap the sides by at least 1/2". Apply to clean dry surface and burnish the entire label protector down.
 
 (3) Types Of Library Use Labels :
 To order or to have more information about the products, click on the subject:
1) Bar Code Label : Almost all libraries use bar code label as part of their automation process system. Order your correct barcode label imprint by indicate the symbology you need, whether check digit is require, and choose the material of the labels you wish to print on, the styles of print etc. Remember to apply bar code label protector to prolong the life of barcode due to frequent scanning.

2)Call Label / Spine Label :High quality call label in a letter size sheet are commonly use by librarians. Choose good quality temperature adhesive backing label which allow multiple  laser or inkjet printing. Use acid free foil back labels for long lasting and no peeling off effect. Get Free Template from Promatech for easy call labels processing.

3) Subject Classification Labels: These self explanation labels help Librarians in shelves management and helping patron to zoom in to the section they are interest. Very helpful for lower primary school students to select the books they want. Choose from full colour , economical white/red imprint or round labels .
 
4) AV Labels : A wide selection of pre cut to size self adhesive AV label are very useful for librarians if they need to catalog their AV material, labels use in CD/ DVD/ Video and audio cassettes are available. You can select different kind of labels , either hand writing or inkjet printing.

5) Custom Imprint Labels: use our custom imprint labels to indicate some important message such as notice, library name and address... Minimum order qty only 2 or 5 roll depend on the kind of imprint. Special CD owner ship imprint are available.

6) Date Due Labels :Choose from Traditional date due slip with self adhesive backing, or small format date due label, Or the later  removable self adhesive date due panel which can be use not only on the books, but also onto CD /VHS/ DVD. Some date due label imprint onto book pocket are available .

7) Colour code or Colour tinted Labels:  Want to start a colour code system for your collection ? talk to our library sales staff to get free advise on how to start a effective and yet economical way of colour code system. Use the 2 in 1 tinted label to colour code your collection. many sizes, styles available .
 
 (4) Book jacket Cover Selection
 
There are many things to consider when choosing the right book jacket cover, following are useful tips:

Choose the material:
Polyester and polypropylene are safe to use, both provide clear view to publisher cover and are archival safe, that resist moisture and dirt. Polyester is harder material with glossy surface, and creases better due to stiffness. Polypropylene is softer and has matt finish, conforms easier.
Try to avoid PVC material as it contain chlorine and Dioxin toxic chemical .
Consider matte or glossy and mil thickness of material.

Choose the size:

Pre cut sheet
offer greater convenience as there is no cutting,
Long and extra longs
fit books with wider jacket for ultimate protection,
Jacket roll
need to be cut but are more economic, no wasted of material. Recommend by most librarians.

Choose the feature:
backing:
paper backing offer more protection and stability to the jacket but slightly costly than no paper backing.
Format : Exact size are faster to apply with less adjustment, but need to stock more size.
Adjustable can be made to fit each jacket individually and less size to stock,, so save space.

So, what is your choice ? Click here for the Right Jacket Roll to use
 
 (5) What to do about Worn Books
While definite rules can't be made regarding when to discard, repair or rebind  a book, here are some suggestion :

When to discard ? Discard worn books if subject matter is out of date, mediocre or inaccurate, pages are missing, extremely soiled or torn, or when there are sufficient duplicate copies in your collection, or revised editions are decidedly superior. ( How about donate away your unwanted books ? Call Promatech if you wish to gives away the books, we may be able to help you )

When to Repair ? Repair books that have torn or loose pages. Weak or broken hinges, worn covers that you can repair quickly and inexpensively. Use Promatech Repair starter kits which include all the essential repair materials in one handy package.

When to Rebound ? damage books should send to professional bindery when replacement copies are not available, when necessary repair are too time consuming , when existing covers are unsightly or signatures have come apart
 

(6 ) Which Book Tape should I uses ?
Use only Acid Free book tape for long lasting reinforcement and book repair. Following are our recommendation :

Following Book tape come with patented Centering Peel n Place, made any kind of the book processing easy :
a) Easy Bind Tape
   All general application, reinforce hinges, mend torn pages, affix loose page, repair document, photo, drawings.
b) Easy Bind II
   Repair and reinforce spines and cover of all books. Good for hardcover, paperback, magazines, maps, folders, large documents etc.
c) Easy Bind Tyvek
   Super strong tape for hinges reinforce, reattach book block to cover, hide security strips.
d) Book Guard 850
   Repair and reinforce Book spines. ( does not have center peel and place strip, best uses with C-27 Taping Applicator  )
e) Filmoplast
High quality premium archival safe book tape uses by most museums or archives to mend tears or reinforce rare documents, photo, books...etc
f) Fastape
Quality Cloth tape ideal for spine repair that also provide colour coding.
g) Filmoplast T colour cotton tape
Spines reinforcement or repair for rare books with colour code requirement
h)Fluorescent Repair tape
Book repair that require colour  or colour code
i) Coloured Paper Hinge Tape
Reinforce or repair Hinges with Colour code, ideal for kids section.

 

(7) How to select a Laminate roll
A) Select a laminate Material
Polypropylene is chemical stable film that contain no plasticizers. Retains natural flexibility, resist stains and green.
Vinyl is more resistant to tearing and contains plasticizers for good flexibility. Anti blocking agent prevent sticking to other covered items.
Polyolefin is an improved vinyl material that is more flexible to use. Non yellowing, matte film that remove cleanly leaving no adhesive residue behind.

B) Select Gloss or Matt finish

Gloss is clear, transparent film that gives items shiny new look, allow graphic and colour to boldly show through.
Matte offer non reflective appearance and reduces glare.

C) Select film thickness

2.5 to 3.5 mil is an economical film, thin and conformable, ideal for spine & hinges protection>
4 to 5 mil is good for all purpose film to handle a variety of laminate needs.
5.5 to 10 mil : Ideal for items need additional protection

D) Select Roll length

200" for low volume usage, 400" is popular size, 600" for hight volume.

E) Select Roll width

From 8" to 24", depend on usage, large roll width can cut into smaller size.

So, which laminate film to select ? we recommend KapLam to start
 

 

Tips on | 1 Archival | 2 Preservation & Repair | 3 Library Supplies | 4 Management skill | 5 Shelf management  | 6 Media display  | 7 Deco and Promotion |  

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Last modified: 09/22/05