We thought that with the change of names, iMemoryBook to MemoryPress we would explain to you what it means to have a library certified binding.

When it comes to your family library, nothing is more important than knowing that your baby book, your wedding book, and every other volume you create is going to last. You can feel confident knowing that the MemoryPress bindery is one of only 30 book binderies world-wide that are library certified. MemoryPress Double-fan adhesive VS Perfect Bound

What you don’t want
Perfect Bound, not so perfect

The vast majority of Internet publishers and photobook companies use perfect bound books (e.g. Lulu, Kinkos, MyPublisher, iPhoto, and many more). Perfect bindings are cheap and even offered free by some companies like InstantPublisher. Perfect bound books are also know as the “soft cover” option, which is similar to a paperback novel or a bookstore quality binding. For visual purposes you can put a hardcover on a perfect bound book. Perfect bound is excellent for novels, magazines (e.g. National Geographic uses perfect bound), corporate reports, manuals, brochures, notepads, and annual reports; but perfect bound books are not built to last. Before MemoryPress, perfect bound books were often the only affordable option for printing a family history.

What you do want
Double-fan adhesive (MemoryPress)

MemoryPress takes books beyond simple bookstore or photobook quality. Library Certified Double-fan adhesive bindings use an emulsion copolymer of internally plasticized polyvinyl acetate adhesive (PVA). SAY THAT TEN TIMES FAST! In real people language it just means MemoryPress uses super strong glue that was formulated specifically for preservation materials that will not become brittle with age. After your book rolls off our professional press the binding must be left to dry for one day. During the drying process the glue literally fuses itself into the paper resulting in the highest possible binding strength. The increased strength of double-fan adhesive allows you to print books up to 2 inches thick! Only 30 book binderies world-wide have library certified double-fan adhesive bindings. Library certified means that each one of your family history bindings have been created following the 27 page book of library binding standards set forth by the Library Binding Institute(LBI) and the National Information Standards Organization (NISO), and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These three organizations provided over 200 printing and binding professionals to vote on the world-wide library standard.

Library certified means your personal history, your compilation of poetry and your mom’s anniversary book will stand the test of your kids, your neighbors kids, your grandkids, and even your great-grandkids. MemoryPress is the solution to building your family library.

If you don’t think we’ve already been too wordy and want to read boring detailed and technical articles about library bindings click here.

If you have questions or comments about this post please send us a comment. We will always respond.

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