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.