Sometimes in my book it lists the ISBNs of all versions. (paperback ISBN, hard cover ISBN, library binding ISBN, etc.)

If I am looking at a particular book with a hard cover, how do I know whether it is "just" a hard cover or a library binding?

I have some children's books that come up as library binding. They have the pictures right on the cover. But that's pretty standard for children's hard backs.  It could mean like when you get a hardcover at the library-it has the hardcover and then the dust jacket part has a plastic covering over it to protect the dust jacket and keep it with the book.  But I could be wrong.

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

susan/vt

Okay... I am still not sure how to determine that by looking at the book.

<<Okay... I am still not sure how to determine that by looking at the book.>>

K,

Likely you can't.  Try checking elsewhere on the book for a more definitive ISBN (like above the UPC code, the back cover, etc).  IF you got the book at a new book store, and it is hardcover, that's likely the binding (not library binding), but that's just a general rule of thumb -- it would be very unusual for a place like Borders to carry library bindings.

Cheers,

Catt

Okay... I am still not sure how to determine that by looking at the book - you will if you are ever holding the library binding, they are noticably different because the actual cover is made differently. I have noticed that the in more recent years, libraries don't get the different binding so much as just get the regular HC and then put a plastic cover on the dust jackets to protect them. As long as it isn't obviously wrong in the system (like you have a HC and its listed as paperback), post it. I have received a library binding when I requested a HC, but since the library binding was in fact a hardcover binding. I felt the sender did their thing and it was up to me to put an RC up if I only wanted the regular HC with dust jacket. 

While what Melanie says is true, there are some books which are commercially published with a library binding (reinforced spine, etc), and are difficult to tell from a "normal" hardcover binding.  Here's some examples: http://www.series-books.com/libed.html

Not all will have the colored buckram-type binding that we generally associate with library binding: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Library_shelves.jpg

So, as Melanie says, when in doubt, make the best guess you can and, unless someone has an RC about library bindings, you should be ok.

Cheers,

Catt the Library Geek

Also kids books, Franklin, Arthur, Dora etc can come in library bindings from the publishers (Just ordered some so I do know this).

Basically they look like the paperback version same cover art but on a thick cardboard that has a plastic coating over it, it usually has a texture to it unlike the hardcover books that feel smooth.