Replacing Damaged or Missing Pages
When a damaged page is beyond repair or has been previously mended with scotch tape not book tape, it may have to be replaced to keep the item usable. If a page is missing entirely, the only option is to replace the page.
Check to see if the library has a second copy of the damaged item to photocopy a replacement page. If there is not a second copy, request one through Novanet Express or Interlibrary Loan.
Whenever possible, ask to receive the item, not photocopied pages. If the requested item does not circulate, state on the request that the page is needed for repairs, so the photocopies are actual size, not reduced. The 8 l/2 x 11 photocopy paper will probably be larger than the item pages, so the page(s) will need to be trimmed to fit the item.
Photocopy paper is thicker than the paper used in most items. Therefore, replacement pages add thickness to the spine that can cause it to swell or split. Usually only three to five replacement pages can be safely inserted. All pages should be photocopied front and back to keep the added thickness to a minimum.
- If you need to add more pages, it is best to send the pages and the item for rebinding, or reorder the item.
All photocopied pages need to have a 2.5cm wide inner margin for tipping or hinging into a book.
Replacement pages that fold out of the book, such as maps, should be copied in sections, hinged together, then trimmed to text block height.
Replacement pages that fold out of the book, such as maps, should be copied in sections, hinged together, then trimmed to text block height.
Single-sided copies should be alignedwith the upper right hand corner of thepaper.
Since most item pages are not 8 l/2 x 11, it is easiest to photocopy each page, cut and paste them into the correct position on a single sheet of paper. Hold the pages up to the light or an outside window to line up the print and margins on the two pages and then photocopy that page as one single double sided page.
The edge margins can be trimmed to the correct size after the page is copied.
If possible, use acid-free copy paper to make copies for replacement pages. Regular copy paper is acidic and can cause future damage to the book.
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The edge margins can be trimmed to the correct size after the page is copied.
If possible, use acid-free copy paper to make copies for replacement pages. Regular copy paper is acidic and can cause future damage to the book.
Back to Stacks Maintenance