Some hardcover books have dust jackets that we need to cover in order to protect from the high-volume usage our library will have. If there is a dust jacket, we will try to preserve it as it is the best way to protect the book overall. (Scroll down to the end for instructions if the dust jacket is damaged beyond saving.) We are using Brodart Just-A-Fold Book Jacket Cover Rolls, and we have 12″ and 9″ sizes.
Supplies needed: Mylar dust jacket covers, bone folder, scissors, scotch tape, and acid-free tape. All are located in the corner of the library by the window.
- Wash your hands and inspect the book for any stickers or dirt. If the sticker is difficult to remove, you can use the adhesive dissolver Un-Do that is with the other library supplies. There are also clean cotton rags and an all-purpose spray for cleaning the books. Be gentle with the spray so you don’t damage the book.
- Remove the dust jacket from the book and open it completely up, including all the flaps. You may need a bone folder to help flatten the folds.
- Decide which mylar size will fit your cover best. You want to be able to wrap the plastic around the bottom of the book. Pull the roll from the box and cut to fit the width of the dust jacket.
- Slide the dust jacket into the pocket, between the paper and the plastic. The front of the dust jacket should be visible through the plastic.
- With the paper side up, fold the paper down to slightly below the edge of the dust jacket. Use the bone folder to flatten the crease. Then, fold the plastic over the paper, making sure it is smooth and tight.
- Use 3-5 pieces of scotch tape to tape the plastic part onto the paper. Use the bone folder to ensure the cover remains smooth and tight as you tape it. The scotch tape should not be used on the book or dust jacket itself – just the mylar cover.
- Cut off any excess mylar from the sides, if you have any. Fold and crease the first flap, and put it on the book. Use that as a guide to put the rest of the cover on the book so it fits tightly and smoothly.
- Using the acid-free tape, tape the flap to the book itself, on the top and the bottom and on both the front and back flaps.
- If there is a book processing form with the book, write your initials on the bottom of the checklist where it says “Reinforce book cover, if needed”. If there is no paper, just skip this step.
- Place the book on the white bookcase labeled “Finished Books”. Clive is sitting at the very top to help you find it. If you run out of room, either place the books at the very top or look around to see if you can free up shelf space elsewhere. If you move things around, just use a post-it note to label what you did.
Notes
- If the dust jacket is badly damaged and the book behind it is the same as the dust jacket, then you can remove the dust jacket. Using the paper slicer in the church office, trim down the flaps and tape them to the inside of the front and back covers, using the acid-free tape. If there is a picture on the inside of the covers, just tape the top so they can be lifted to see the picture.
- Books that were previously from a public library generally already have the mylar cover, but often they are covered with stickers or dirty and ripped. In those instances, we will replace them. To do this, carefully cut the tape to remove the old mylar cover, and use the steps above to recover the dust jacket. You can throw away the old one.
- Any books that are not straightforward, put aside to ask Ashley when she gets back. If you want, write a note of explanation on a post-it note and put it on the front of the book.
- For a video explanation from the company that makes the mylar covers, follow this link.