Thin, lightweight pamphlets need extra support to reside on the libraries' shelves yet are typically too small for library binding. The following process of binding pamphlets is undertaken in order to protect the integrity of newly or previously acquired materials and to ensure pamplets remain in suitable physical condition for use over a long period of time.
Steps for Constructing Pamphlet Binders:
If the pamphlet is encased within a old, damaged binder, the binder is removed and replaced (with the smallest size binder that will cover the pamphlet).
The binder is trimmed to fit the pamplet, leaving an extra 1/4'' on all sides.
The corners are rounded.
Staples are removed with a staple remover tool.
The corners of cambric interior spine cloth are cut.
Pieces of scrap paper are placed underneath the cambric interior spine cloths and glue is applied with a brush.
The pamphlet is inserted inside the spine cloth and enclosed within the folds. Time is allowed for the glue to dry before moving on to the next step.
An awl is used to open the pamphlet to the center pages, and three holes are punched all the way through the pamphlet and binder. One hole is placed in the middle and two holes are placed 1" in from each end.
A needle and linen thread are used to sew the pamphlet securely into the binder. The needle is inserted through the center hole and then drawn through by grasping the needle from the outer side of the binder.
Next, the needle is inserted through the hole at the end of the binder that does not contain the awl. The needle is drawn from the outside towards the inside of the pamphlet.
The awl is removed from the hole at the opposite end and the needle is passed through the hole from the inside towards the outside.
The needle is now drawn back through the center hole from the outside towards the inside, so that both ends of thread are within the inside of the pamphlet. A square knot is tied (left over right, right over left) with ends of thread, and ends of thread are trimmed to about 1/2''.
The end of a paper clip is dipped into glue and a dab of glue is applied to each end of thread. While the ends are still wet, they are pushed into the center hole to hide them from view.
A bone folder is used to smooth out the area around the three holes.
A dab of glue is then applied to the brush and run over the outside thread to ensure that it stays in place.