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Memo
August 23, 1991 Subject: Hardbacks vs. paperbacks
Several weeks ago Adrienne Zahniser submitted a request for a paperback acquisition that was also available in hardback. She had investigated the paper quality (alkaline) and size, the quality of the binding, and the status of the title in the OSU Libraries. Her case was that paperback acquisitions should be allowed if: the title was a duplicate, it was expected to be used for a limited time, and the format was reasonably durable. As a result of her request and one from Marsha Hamilton and based on recent surveys of acquisitions received and tested for use of alkaline paper, we proposed to the Library Materials Committee that our previous policy of "hardback first" be changed. With their agreement, the attached joint Collection Development/Preservation Memorandum documents that change. If you have further suggestions or questions, please contact either of us to discuss it further. c: C. Hawks M. Hamilton hbmemo
and Preservation Memorandum No. 91-1
Guidelines for the Purchase of During the past several years the Ohio State University Libraries have consistently attempted to acquire titles in hardback due to the differentials in qualities of paper and binding, and circulation life expectancy. Based on recent changes in the use of alkaline paper, the decline of hardback binding quality, and the disparity in respective costs, the Collections and Preservation Officers have established the following guidelines.
A mass market paperback is defined as "low-priced paperbound books, with covers designed for sales appeal...;" generally 4 x 7 inches. in size; composed of cheap, newsprint-type paper; and with pages bound together with inexpensive and short-lived "hot-melt" adhesive.
Trade paperbacks are defined as "higher-priced paperbound books frequently published by the same publishers who produce hardbound trade books, and marketed through the normal book trade channels;" generally of a similar trim size as the hardbound trade edition; paper quality may vary widely. Binding quotas are unlikely to be changed and the binding budget is unlikely to increase significantly in the near future. Nevertheless, collection managers are encouraged to designate "bind before shelving" for paperbacks that are anticipated to receive heavy usage. For other paperbacks, bind-after-first-circulation should be the routine. At the present time the cost of binding a paperback monograph, including staff time and labor is about $7.28. The cost of the binding itself averages $4.67. Collection managers must indicate paperback in the Format section on the order request submitted to the Acquisition Department. Please be careful to include the paperback ISBN, if available, when ordering them. If paperback is not indicated, the Acquisition Department will automatically order the hardback edition.
c: C. Hawks
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