Bookbinders

About the heading Bookbinders in Yellow Pages®

Book binding is the process of joining unfolded or folded printed sheets into finished products such as books, directories, folders, catalogs or magazines. Bookbinders are trained workers that perform binding tasks by hand or use other equipment including binding machines. Some bookbinders specialise in a specific area, for example, books associated with the legal or medical professions.

As well as binding books by machinery for mass production, bookbinders also perform repairs on books by stitching, sewing, or gluing assembled printed sheets. They reshape and reinforce the books using machines and fabric strips. Some bookbinders work in hand binderies where they create original and special bindings for books that are limited editions. They also rebind or restore rare books. Bookbinders may also be responsible for binding genealogies, newspapers or magazines, and also create blank books for journals. Bookbinders do not print books.

Bookbinders need at least a high school diploma and many complete training at vocational and technical schools. Some employers prefer applicants with associate degrees. Most bookbinders learn their skills through a combination of on the job training and classroom instruction. On the job they learn the physical skills associated with book binding and in the classroom they worked with skilled professionals to learn about the processes and modern technologies required in binding. Some employers offer formal apprenticeships where new bookbinders gain experience and skills by participating in classroom instruction and working with experienced workers. Bookbinders must keep up to date on changing technology and employers often provide additional training.

Bookbinders operate in cities and many metropolitan and regional areas. Some offer services such as pickup and delivery and others may offer a quick turnaround service. If you are looking for information on bookbinders look under this heading in Yellow Pages®.