Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine the condition and appropriate materials and techniques required to restore a book.
It applies to individuals who apply solutions to a defined range of problems relating to the restoration and production of hand bound books.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assess physical condition of book to be rebound/restored | 1.1 Physical construction and binding style of the book are identified 1.2 Areas of damage and weakness are identified and recorded |
2. Identify and select treatment options | 2.1 Paper and cover cleaning options are assessed 2.2 Paper and cover repair options are assessed 2.3 Ethical/rarity/value cost alternatives are evaluated 2.4 Treatment options are discussed with owner |
3. Assemble materials for binding | 3.1 Materials and equipment are assembled according to job specifications 3.2 Binding equipment is set up according to job specifications |
4. Dissect/pull down book | 4.1 Original page securing method and section structure are determined 4.2 Cover/endpapers, threads and stitches are removed with minimal damage to sections and text 4.3 Sheets and sections are cleaned with minimal damage 4.4 Dog-ears are straightened with old joints flattened 4.5 Book is pressed |
5. Treat paper | 5.1 Paper is cleaned using dry or wet methods as appropriate 5.2 Paper is de-acidified if necessary by most appropriate method 5.3 Paper is repaired and/or reinforced using appropriate methods 5.4 Paper is resized if required 5.5 New paper is tinted to resemble original if requested 5.6 Wire stitches or sewing threads are removed 5.7 Original adhesive is removed without damaging the book |
6. Resew book | 6.1 Appropriate sewing supports are selected and spaced according to job specifications 6.2 Consistent thread tension is maintained during sewing 6.3 Sections are aligned at the head 6.4 Swelling is monitored and controlled 6.5 Headbands are re-sewn if necessary |
7. Forward book by hand | 7.1 Old spine and sides and turn-ins are lifted and reattached if rebacking is necessary 7.2 Edges are knocked up into original alignment 7.3 Round and back spine are glued 7.4 Spine lining is attached 7.5 Appropriate corner repairs on coverboards are carried out 7.6 Boards are reattached 7.7 New covering material is tinted to resemble original if requested 7.8 Text blocks are covered or rebacked 7.9 Endpapers are pasted down or hinge realigned 7.10 Book is opened after pressing |
8. Finish book by hand | 8.1 Book is hand finished according to job specifications 8.2 Typeface size and type are appropriate 8.3 Design is in keeping with period of publication 8.4 An even embellishment is applied |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
correctly assess the physical condition and restore TWO books (one requiring rebacking and one requiring rebinding) according to job specifications, enterprise procedures and production timeframes.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
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.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the converting, binding and finishing field of work and include access to special purpose tools, equipment and materials used to restore books.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 3.1, 3.2, 6.1, 8.1 | Recognises and interprets text and diagrams to establish job requirements from information contained within specifications |
Writing | 1.2 | Completes required records using clear and precise language |
Oral Communication | 2.4 | Uses appropriate language to provide information to clients Uses questioning and uses listening skills to confirm understanding |
Numeracy | 2.3, 5.4 | Uses mathematical calculations to analyse cost alternatives against the value of the product and to determine appropriate paper size during treatment |
Interact with others | 2.4 | Uses collaborative techniques to engage clients in discussions |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 7.1, 7.5, 7.7, 7.9, 8.1-8.4 | Determines priorities and sequences steps involved in clearly defined, familiar tasks Implements actions as per instructions, making slight adjustments if necessary Plans, identifies and assembles resources required to complete tasks Analyses alternatives to make decisions directly related to completion of set tasks |
Sectors
Converting, Binding and Finishing