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2023 Ryerson and Burnham Libraries Collection Services Guide: CoLibri book covers

CoLibri book covers

The CoLibri machine was approved for use by Book Conservation as a method of covering and protecting books (and particularly book jackets) from the wear and tear that comes with time and use. 
We sometimes do see vinyl, plastic, or adhesives reacting to each other, resulting in weepage or slippery/sticky surfaces. However, the inert plastic used in the CoLibri covers has little danger of damaging the book it’s on or those around it. 
We do still recommend keeping an eye on these materials over the long term and being vocal about any observations. 
 

Who is responsible for covering items with the CoLibri machine?
Book Conservation had been doing the CoLibri covers, but Collection Services staff have taken over on an ad hoc basis. If we are unable to keep up with the flow of items, we may need to assign this more rigorously or request help from other Library staff.  

Note that Book Conservation is still paying for the covers and are helping us maintain the equipment. Email Book Conservation if we are running low on any of the supplies.
 

Some situations when the CoLibri might be useful:

  • Artists’ books, Photobooks or other items that don’t want the label attached directly to the cover
  • A book jacket that needs to be kept 
  • Die cuts on the cover that may get snagged
  • The color or texture of the cover may be affected by shelf wear
  • A thin cover that could use reinforcement

Don’t use the CoLibri when:

  • You want to be able to remove the jacket regularly to unfold it or view the binding beneath
  • A container will be needed for other reasons
  • Too large or otherwise won’t fit in a CoLibri cover
     
  1. When you determine that a CoLibri cover is the best solution for the item in hand, get out a CoLibri book flag. 
  2. Fill out which elements the Labeler should attach before the CoLibri cover and which to attach after the CoLibri cover. This will vary from item to item. Some guidelines (again, this will vary!) :
    > For general art history Stack books, all elements can be attached before. 
    > New Books display, Artists books and Photobooks may prefer the bookplate and barcode to be attached before and the label to be attached after. Note: see the documentation for New Books Display for more particulars about items going to that shelving location.
    > Some items that are a numbered edition or valuable to the collection may have all three attached after. 
    If you aren’t sure which combination to apply to your item in hand, consult with the Head of Collection Services. 
  3. If the barcode was attached on the book under the jacket it will no longer be visible, so you will need to attach a new barcode on top of the jacket, or staple a detached barcode to the CoLibri flag. Be sure to update the item record with the new barcode.
  4. Once you have completed all elements of your cataloging, you can deliver to the Labeler’s shelves, as per usual, with the CoLibri flag in the book.
  1. Follow the guidelines of the book flag, attaching the “before CoLibri” elements
  2. When the “before CoLibri” tasks are completed, place the item on the “CoLibri” shelf above the machine.
  3. When folks complete the CoLibri, they will place the item back on your to be labeled shelf. Proceed as usual completing any remaining tasks.
  4. Record your “Labeling” statistics when you actually attach a label to the item
  5. Move the item along as per usual
     

This is a process best learned through hands-on experience. Before using the CoLibri machine for the first time, be sure to get an in-person demonstration/lesson from the Head of Collection Services, Book Conservation, or someone they delegate the task to. 
CoLibri does provide tutorial videos, which can be watched in addition to the in person training:
https://www.colibriusa.com/pages/videos-tutorials 

Covering Books

  1. Pull a book from the CoLibri shelf
  2. Look it over and assess the item. Is there anything tricky about it? Confirm that you won’t be covering any important information.
  3. Determine which cover size will fit. Keep in mind that for hardcover books, you will need to have a seam at the spine.
  4. Follow the steps as you were shown, sealing the top edge first. 
  5. Then put the book inside the jacket to complete fore-edge (and spine) seams, as needed
  6. Place the item back on the Labeler’s shelves with the CoLibri flag still in it, for final processing

Troubleshooting a malfunctioning machine
First, review the manual left near the machine. There are some simple guidelines (mostly turn it off and on again). 
If the problem persists, defer the problem to the Head of Collection Services and Book Conservation via email. Please take a picture of the error message and detail what you did to try and troubleshoot the problem in your email. We will figure out how to take it from there. 

CoLibri book flag