How to use Brodart book jackets

Protect your beloved books with book covers.

Whether a collector of rare literature or an avid reader who wants to keep favorite tomes clean and neat, many book lovers can benefit from using Brodart book jackets to protect their book collections. By following a few simple steps, you can have a protective sleeve on your favorite book in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Book with dust jacket
• Brodart book jacket cover sheets
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Clear tape
• Paperweight or stapler

Instructions

1. 

   Accurate measurements will give your Brodart book jacket a snug fit.

   Remove the dust jacket from your book. Gently unfold it on a clean, flat surface free of dust. With a ruler, measure the full length (across the top) and height (along the side) of the dust jacket.

2. Compare the measurements of your book jacket to the available Brodart product to ensure that the product will cover the jacket of your book from top to bottom. The measurements of the Brodart product should be clearly marked on the packaging, and on the product itself. Do not try to squeeze a larger dust jacket into a Brodart jacket that is too small for it, because this can damage the book jacket.

3. 

   Trimming the Brodart book jacket will ensure a close fit.

   Transfer the measurements of your book's jacket onto the Brodart product using a ruler and pencil, adding about 1/2 inch extra room on each side. Cut off any excess Brodart material on the sides so it will fit easily over your book jacket with a little room to spare. Do not cut any material off the top or bottom, even if the Brodart product is taller than your book's jacket.

4. Lay the trimmed Brodart product on a clean, flat surface, with the flaps facing you. Lift the top flap, and slide your book's jacket under it. Make sure the top of your book's jacket fits snugly into the top flap of the Brodart product. Place a paperweight, stapler, or other solid object on top of the flap to hold it in place. Lift the bottom flap and gently pull it upward so the Brodart material meets the bottom edge of the book's jacket. Crease the Brodart book jacket along the bottom edge, and lay the bottom flap flat over the top flap. Tape the two flaps together smoothly, making sure there is no waviness or crease.

5. Remove the weights and smooth any wrinkles or bulges out of the jacket. With the jacket flat on the work surface, place the spine of the book onto the spine of the jacket. Gently open the front cover and let it fall flat. Fold the Brodart-covered jacket flap over the front cover, and close the cover. Repeat with the back cover.

Tips & Warnings

• If the Brodart flaps are too long, trim them with scissors, being careful not to cut any portion of the book's jacket.

• If you plan to cover several different-sized jackets, buy the largest size Brodart product you will need, and trim the flaps as needed to fit smaller books.

• Take care when unfolding old, fragile book jackets, because manipulation can damage the paper.

References

• IOBA: A Simplified, Step-by-Step Guide to Book Repair and Protection