Learning Objectives

• Learn why it is important to maintain a library collection and discover tools to support the work.

Resources for Book Repair

It is inevitable that books and other items will need repair at some point. If an item is not irreparably damaged, then it makes fiscal sense to try and repair the item to get more use out of it. The two companies below provide materials to repair and protect library items. Their websites also have blogs and videos on to use their products.

	Kapco provides materials for book repair and protection. They also have a YouTube channel with videos of product demonstrations.
	Demco provides book repair supplies as well as other general library supplies. Check out their blog Demco Ideas & Inspiration for book repair and library tips and tricks.

Teaching Students to Respect Library Materials 

To minimize the need for repairs, consider planning a few lessons for students on how to properly take care of library items. The following resources have helpful tips and practices to implement:

How to Teach Kids to Care for Books - This blog from an early childhood educator provides helpful tips for teaching students how to respect and use books. 

Teaching Book Care Rules - This blog provides picture book suggestions to use when talking with students about book care rules, as well as lesson ideas and activities.

Library Book Care - This quick video provides ten tips to care for library books presented in a fun and engaging format.

Reflecting on Your Learning

1. How will you teach students to care for the library and its items? Plan a lesson (or two) on book etiquette and library procedures.
2. Check out Kapco's YouTube channel and Demco's Ideas & Inspiration blog to get an idea of what repairs can be done to items. Are there items you would have thrown out you learned can be repaired?