Difference between hardcover & library binding?

[Corie]

What is the difference between a hardcover book and a book with a library binding?

This is in reference to buying books from Amazon. I tried to locate the
definition of each on their website but I couldn't.

Does anyone know?

[Corie]

# Hardcover: The common bookstore variety of hardcover book usually comes with a dust jacket.

# School/Library Binding: This is the most durable form of hardcover, bound for the heaviest use. These rarely come with a dust jacket since paper covers don't last long in the school or library environment.

[tiapam]

Corie, I think library binding is not as good as it used to be. So I see very little difference between the two now. Library bindings of "popular" books (most picture books and chapter books) usually do have a dust jacket. The library usually puts plastic on it and tapes it to the book. It's the homework type books that are usually only bought by libraries that most likely do not have a dust jacket and *might* have a better binding.

HTH.

[Corie]

I was going to buy a book from Amazon. I wanted it in hardcover but
they only have "library binding" available. The library binding is several
dollars more expensive than the hardcover version. I didn't think the difference
was that noticeable and I didn't understand the big price difference.

[hillview]

Just went to an Usborne book party and the host said the library binding "wasn't worth it"
FWIW
/hillary

[vonfirmath]

Since it is designed for the more excessive use of a library, not I would not expect it to be worth it for a family.