Regarded as the final stage of the graphic arts process, binding brings printed or even blank sheets together in a permanent or semi-permanent form. This may involve operations such as trimming the paper, folding, stapling, stitching, punching holes and gluing. Binding also includes decoration of book covers and the production of marbled papers. Paper ruling or the production of lined paper for stationery, school books, forms and ledger paper, is a process frequently included in many bindery operations.

It is accepted that bookbinding as a craft predates the introduction of the printing press in Canada (1751) although it developed along with the growth of commercial printing. It was not uncommon for religious communities to carry out bookbinding for service books and manuals of private devotion.

Craft binding or hand work was allied with such early printing operations as William Brown & Thomas Gilmore's Quebec Gazette/Gazette de Québec (1764) and independent businesses quickly followed suit. Mechanization of bookbinding began to take place in the mid-nineteenth century and commercial binderies using the new technology made their appearance in Canada ca. 1870.

Research on the technological history of bookbinding in Canada has been undertaken as part of the Historical Assessment process. This research has identified important themes that will be used to direct the development of the artifact collection in this area.

The Graphic Arts Technology collection includes materials from both craft and commercial binderies in Canada. It also has unique holdings in the area of paper ruling.

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