Ok, I know that the Help Center says that if a books has a tear in the cover that is less than 1 inch it is postable...ok, now my question is this...are you allowed to use clear tape on that tear to prevent it from getting larger?

I would think so.  It may be less obvious if you tape on the back of the tear also. 

I've been known to use tape on books that haven't torn yet, but you can see that if they are left alone, they will eventually tear. I generally use packing tape as it doesn't wear bad or yellow like cellophane tape does. I tape corners of pb covers all the time when they've been bent.

I've taped them before and had no problem.  I've received them taped before too. As long as the tear is less than the 1" it should be ok. I tape the front and back of the tear. 

Yes, I sometimes use tape on covers to prevent small tears from becoming large tears.  I always use packing tape.

ok great...I didn't see a problem with it....I've taped several of my books over the years of reading and I don't have a problem with receiving a book taped as ya'll described, I just wanted to make sure others were of the same thinking.  One of my buddies is sending me a book I've been wanting and it has a 3/4" tear on the cover near the spine but, everything else is intact...she was hoping I wouldn't have a problem.  I plan on taping that baby as soon as it hits my mailbox.

thanks guys....happy reading!!