I was just going to pm one of the resident experts, but maybe other members will have the same question.

I received a book today ISBN 1587260212.  Apparently one of those that has had the ISBN reused.  So my question is, is there enough difference between hardcover and library binding to warrent a RWAP?  I didn't because the ISBN is correct and the book I received probably meets my needs better than the one I ordered.

The PBS listing is for the Tandem Publishing edition in library binding and shows the Signet Classics cover.  The book I received (same ISBN) is the Borders Classics hardcover (sold with dust jacket).  I assumed I would receive the full color hardover (library binding) or a rebound Turtleback.  The 'Buy from Amazon' link is broken, but when I enter the ISBN at Amazon I get the same listing as PBS...Signet cover with library/Turtleback binding.

Bottom line, for PBS postability is hardcover close enough to library binding? ... Or is this technically a RWAP?

I have to admit that I wouldn't really be sure of the difference between hardcover and library binding. Is the library binding the kind where it's basically a paperback made into a harcover?

The person might not have thought that there is a difference between library binding/hardcover.

The cover image for a listing here isn't an official representation of the book.  It's intended to convey the story rather than the physical book.  But the book type (binding)  on the book's listing is official.

Here are a couple of online explanations of "library binding":

1. Library binding refers to the hardcover binding of serials and paperback books intended for the rigors of library use. Though many publishers have started to provide "library binding" editions, many libraries elect to purchase paperbacks and have them rebound as hardcover books, resulting in longer life for the material.

2. Library Binding – Strong binding suitable for library book usage. Special binding services for libraries. The requirements include stitched signatures, sewn-on four-cord thread, strong endpapers, and backlining extended into the boards.

If the binding for an ISBN is "library binding", then it shouldn't refer to a book rebound by a  library, but rather a book published for library use.

A paperback that's been reinforced and made into a hardcover would be called  "turtleback," but according to the first definition, a turtleback could be included in the broader category of library binding.

If it had been listed in the broader category of "hardcover", and you'd received a library binding, that would have been fine.  A hardcover library-bound book could be listed either as a hardcover or a library binding.  But this book is listed in the narrower "library binding" category.  Since you're sure that what you received wasn't library binding, perhaps the best solution would have been to have marked it "received with a problem" just to signal to the sender that the binding didn't match.  You wouldn't have had to ask for your credit to be refunded, and you could have submitted follow-up that the problem was resolved.

But since you didn't have a problem with the book you received, there's no harm really in your having marked it "received" rather than "received with a problem."  If you want to mention the binding issue to the sender, you could still do that with a PM.  Sending the PM from your transactions archive will attach your comments to the transaction.  The binding might make a difference for someone who's ordering the book and intending to donate it to a library, and a PM will alert the sender to double check the binding or book type when posting and before mailing.

That's scary, I wouldn't know a turtleback if it walked up and bit me.  The only way I know a library book from my collection is it says discard all over it.

Tammy H. wrote:

"That's scary, I wouldn't know a turtleback if it walked up and bit me.  The only way I know a library book from my collection is it says discard all over it."

I count myself in this camp. If I have to research bindings, which I would have to do if I'm supposed to know the difference between library binding (which apparently can mean many things), turtleback binding or anything else that isn't hard cover, paperback or mass market paperback, I would probably just choose not to post the book and donate it.

My personal opinion is that, for the purposes of PBS, if it is covered in paper it is a paperback, and if it is covered in something hard, it is a hardcover. Since library binding is generally hard, I think that most people (almost everybody) would assume that hardcover=library binding.

Except for all the peeps who would actually be expecting an ex-library book. You know quite a few of them would be.

And my other opinion is that, if that is not correct, that PBS needs to add an easy to find help page on the matter.

That's another reason I didn't RWAP, Turtleback & Library editions aren't well understood.  Besides the fact that the ISBN seems to have been used for both the hardcover and the library/Turtleback edition (confused me, probably others as well).

With a bit more library experience than some, to me the books go like this:

Hardcover - the generally accepted hardcover editions.  Usually with a plain/solid cover and full color dust jacket.  These are often used in the library where they add the clear plastic just jacket cover.

Library edition - A hardcover with full color cover and no dust jacket (sometimes same as dust jacket, sometimes different).  I've no idea if they are re-bound, but many childrens and YA books are this editon (sample here, anyone remember these?).  If they are re-bound, it is by an outside third party (not library and not publisher).

Turtleback - is often a paperback edition of a classic or YA recommended reading book.  The paperback edition is professionally rebound as a hardcover by a third party bindery such as Turtleback, Sagebrush, etc.  Here's a sample listing for Twelfth Night, published by Folger as a mmpb, rebound by Turtleback, and listed as a Library binding.  Turtleback costs approx $20 per book, but last alot longer than regular paperback in high-use venues.  The one's I've seen are mmpb size, and are often listed as for library or school use only.  Another example is the link in my OP, which shows the cover being Signet Classic (a paperback series) when listed with library binding made me assume a Turtleback edition.