Physical Processing Work:
Cutting: It is often found that books are received with partially uncut sections. If these are left unnoticed, readers may carelessly open up the pages by inserting a finger or pencil. This can damage the pages. To prevent this it must be ensured that all sections of the book are duly scrutinised and all uncut edges are opened up. This cutting open work should be done carefully with a "cutting bone" or paper knife which is not too sharp-edged. Easing: Books when received from publishers may not open up well due to the glue getting hardened at the spine. This may need a little easing. This can be done by opening the volume somewhere in the middle and placing it on a flat table and then gently pressing with a thumb from the top to the bottom. This can he repeated after several sections according to the thickness of the volume.
Stamping: The library stamp must be put on the book in all conventional places. These are the top of the verso of the title page, the top of the first chapter or introduction as the case may be, the bottom of the last page of the text, and the blank side of the maps, charts, plates, etc. that are separately stuck to the text. Stamping should not be done carelessly to obstruct reading matter or to mar the beauty of the book.
Book Plate Fixing: The Book Plate is normally fixed on the left-hand top corner of the inside of the first cover.
Book Pocket Fixing: The book pocket is to be put on the right-hand bottom corner of the inside of the first cover. Before pasting, the book pocket should be properly eased so as to allow the Book Card to go in without hindrance.
Date Label Fixing: The Date Label has its place on the first page after the first cover which will be often an end-page. Care should be taken to apply glue only on the top edge of the label.
Tagging: The book tag must be pasted on the spine of the book at a uniform height from the bottom. One inch is a desirable height. It is better to use a measure to mark out the exact position of the tag. In case the thickness of the volume is less than the width of the book tag, the tag must be fixed on the front cover close to the back and at the same height as it would have been on the spine. Books having book jackets should be given an additional tag on the jacket at the same position as the tag is on the spine.