Lung function and exposure to paper dust in bookbinders--a pilot study.

Lung function deterioration has been reported among workers exposed to heavy exposure to paper dust (greater than 5 mg/m3). This pilot study was undertaken in order to evaluate the health effects of low exposure to paper dust (less than or equal to 1 mg/m3) in bookbinders. The study population consisted of 20 exposed subjects and 18 local office subjects. They were studied during identical conditions by means of dynamic and static spirometry, single breath wash-out with nitrogen (N2) and carbon monoxide (CO). The 90th percentile for daily average values of total dust was 0.6 mg/m3. Non-smoking exposed subjects had on the average an increase in FEV% (forced expiratory volume in one second in percentage of vital capacity) when compared to non-smoking local control subjects. We found a weak correlation between the increase in FEV% and daily average values of total dust (probably reflecting a higher exposure in the past). The results suggest that a low exposure to paper dust in bookbinders with a time of employment more than 10 years might cause a slight lung function deterioration without a clinical relevance.

Preparation of a Mastership thesis.

A detailed account is given of the mechanics of converting the manuscript results from a period of research into a thesis that is also a first-class, readable book.

Effects of binding policy and other factors on the availability of journal issues.

Random samples of journal issues, derived from a test set of 106 biomedical journal titles, were checked against the shelves of the Woodward Biomedical Library under circulating and noncirculating conditions. As well as circulation, binding procedures and duplication of sets were seen to affect availability. Indications are that the practice of binding journals upon completion of the volume may remove them from use at a time of peak demand. The usefulness of second sets of journals appeared to decline rapidly within a few years after publication. A change from circulating to noncirculating conditions may have increased availability certain journals by discouraging use.

Textbooks -- a new approach.

A new approach to medical textbooks has been applied by a team comprising a publisher, educationalist, and subject specialist. The binding of the book can be opened so that additional material can be added and the pages rearranged. Illustrations are printed on separate sheets so as to be available for study at any point in the text. An interdisciplinary approach has been adopted throughout and each section of the book examines the subject from a different viewpoint, for example, a disease, a clinical presentation, or an approach to therapy. An important feature is the separation of core material from additional material. Layout and design have been used to facilitate learning and to make possible the use of the book for reference and revision.

Topics in library technology: binding techniques.

The purpose of the library binding industry is to help the librarian maintain a valuable inventory of printed material for maximum use now and in the future. Standardization of approved materials and methods in the industry have encouraged manufacturers to develop materials and machinery for its use, and these, in turn, have enabled it to meet the increasing and changing needs of libraries with a uniform product of high quality and an economical and constantly improving service. The librarian, as custodian of the library's materials, must be the originator of the binding program and is the only one who knows the end use of each item, which is usually the factor that determines the selection of the most suitable binding.