How to Become a Bookbinder
Bookbinding is a very old trade since it has been around since books were first made. Many different types of bookbinders exist. Some bookbinders repair or bind books by hand. Other bookbinders bind books or other materials such as brochures, magazines and calendars using machinery. Follow these steps to become a bookbinder.
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Instructions
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Decide whether your want to be a hand bookbinder or machine bookbinder. The demand for hand bookbinders is low, since most of their time is spent repairing old books rather than creating new ones. You don't need a special education required to become a bookbinder, but you should have basic math skills, language skills and computer skills. Many bookbinders start out as apprentices.
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Recognize that binderies are usually noisy and the job can be very strenuous. You may have to lift, stand and carry stacks of paper.
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Realize that the demand for bookbinders is declining because computers have created less demand for printed materials. Computerized machinery has also improved productivity, requiring fewer bookbinders.
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Search online or in telephone directories for bookbinderies and printing companies in your area. Also search for printing or bookbinding unions in your area. There aren't as many binderies as there are printing companies because many printing companies do their own bookbinding.
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Call one or more of the companies or people you locate and tell them you would like to become a bookbinder. Ask if you could visit their company to view their materials or machinery. Even if they don't consent for you to tour their company, they will probably suggest you come in to fill out an employment application.
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Comments
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bibliocommerce
Mar 19, 2008
I disagree that the demand for hand bookbinders is low. It is a dying art in a decade or so there will be very little 'new blood' in the industry but people will still want there antiquarian and rare books bound. As a result I predict the trade of a hand bookbinder (especially restoraation binding) will be a very sought after niche market and, most likely, a lot more lucrative than it is at present... -
bibliocommerce
Mar 19, 2008
I disagree that the demand for hand bookbinders is low. It is a dying art in a decade or so there will be very little 'new blood' in the industry but people will still want there antiquarian and rare books bound. As a result I predict the trade of a hand bookbinder (especially restoraation binding) will be a very sought after niche market and, most likely, a lot more lucrative than it is at present...
