Library bookbinding in Greece

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current status of library bookbinding in Greece. Design/methodology/approach – Two surveys were circulated among libraries and bookbinders. They aimed at determining the extent of use of bookbinding, the necessary characteristics of durable library bookbinding according to the respondents’ opinions and the relationship between bookbinders and libraries. Findings – The gathered data reflect the attitudes of Greek librarians and bookbinders and outline the current status of library bookbinding in Greece. They showed that bookbinding is extensively used as part of the preservation strategy for the majority of the Greek libraries. Most libraries resort to outsourcing. The specifications set by libraries are usually minimal, and it is left to the bookbinders to recommend the best solutions. Both librarians and binders emphasised openability and durability as the most important qualities of the bound volumes and quoted several relevant technical details. A model library binding technique is suggested in this study. Originality/value – Such an investigation has never been attempted before. This research can be useful to the Greek Libraries Central Administration and also to the whole Greek library community for the improvement of the current situation, and may help towards the development of a national standard. It may also be useful for the international library community as a case study, presenting the situation in Greece.