Hi everyone,
I wonder if you could give me some ideas about how to add a classification number to the spine of bound serial volumes when you have no on-site bindery.
At present our binding company does this for our annual routine issues, which we mail to them, but we have about 1500 old volumes and bound back sets that were either paper labelled and sellotaped in-house or not lettered at all.  They are housed on open shelves and can be borrowed by faculty and staff only.  We also have a continuing flow of Theses from students that need this work done (not loaned), which again are mailed.

We have had the binding company do this on site before, but they have to bring their machinery and materials.
I'm sure there must be an easier and cheaper way than this.
Some ideas, for better or worse that I've come up with are
1.  Lettering machine (expensive and requires specialist training of staff)
2.  Apply a self-adhesive buckram label in a colour to match the book, but we would still need a lettering tool.  Preferably with peel off paper backing (hot glue would be a health and safety issue).  I've search the internet for this kind of product without success.
3.  Use a die set and foil and stamp the lettering directly on.  (again this would require some skill)

If you are using a satisfactory method or have any ideas at all, please tell me about it.  I think the hot stylus technique is long gone and was never done very neatly anyway, in my experience !

Barbara.

Acquisitions Coordinator
AUT University
Auckland, New Zealand
barbara.rauch@aut.ac.nz