To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
Determine physical condition of a book to be rebound/restored
identify factors that render a book unsuitable for restoration/rebinding and possible options to suggest
explain areas of a book most commonly in need of attention
explain how areas of weakness and damage are identified and recorded
identify and select treatment options
explain available paper and cover cleaning options
list methods of repairing a tear in paper
describe how to replace a missing corner of a book page
identify situations when there is a need to reback a book
describe steps to repair a coverboard corner
explain methods of treating aged leather
Assemble materials for binding
explain work health and safety (WHS) factors for restoring books
name tools used when gold finishing books
name adhesives used in book restoration and repair, and describe under what circumstances each is used
identify possible covering materials and indicate where each is used
explain styles of book edge decoration
name and describe methods of tanning leather
explain how covering material is selected for a given job
explain what to monitor when paring leather and when sharpening knives for leather paring
name types of leather commonly used in bookbinding
explain the term ‘skiver’
Dissecting/pulling down
list different page securing methods
explain how to remove endpapers with minimal damage
explain how to clean sections without damage
define the terms ‘dog-ears’ and ‘joints’
describe special care to take when removing wire stitches/sewing thread
identify and describe different methods of removing adhesive from the book spine
identify types of adhesive that might be found on book spines
Section sewing
name methods of hand sewing and important considerations when setting up for sewing
explain why a sewing frame is used
describe how thickness of thread is chosen
explain what to check when sewing thread is joined during the sewing operation and when the sewing operation is finished off
explain the result if sewing is too loose/too tight
describe hand-worked headband styles
Book forwarding
explain the important result to achieve when gluing the spine of the book, and the outcome if the spine glue is too thick/too thin
explain how to recognise a correct spine shape
describe problems likely if too much round or insufficient round is applied to the spine
name different spine linings and styles they are used on
state reasons for spine linings
explain special techniques applied to 2-on 2-off spine linings
explain important considerations for spine linings
describe how to recognise a good corner
explain the recommended turn-in
list steps to ensure a clean job
explain ‘trimming-out’
explain what determines the correct board calliper on a book
identify what micron board is recommended on a book 5mm thick
explain to monitor when casing-in a book
Hand finishing
name methods of hand finishing a book cover
identify criteria used to ensure an appropriate typeface is selected
outline criteria used to ensure the design chosen corresponds with the era of the book
describe the result of uneven impressions
describe the method to correct an error in finishing the title
Quality assurance
describe quality aspects found in a competently restored book
list steps to ensure cost effectiveness of book restoration
explain what can be done to maintain the rarity component of a book
identify machine manuals and safety documentation relevant to this task, where they are kept, and the information included in them.