The equipment for book, paper, and photograph conservation is similar and can be shared to some extent. A book conservation/bindery should be well furnished with standard benches and complementary counters. If possible, one standard bench should be allotted to each technician, and there should be bench space in reserve for special projects. Swivel chairs, capable of high height settings and adjustment, are needed with the benches for some functions such as sewing and paper repair.

Access to a power paper cutter such as that used for stiffening is essential, as are a board shear to cut large binder's board, a fan gluer, and a job backer. Storage space for supplies is provided under the benches, but as much material as possible should be stored on wall-mounted shelves to save floor space. Large-capacity sewing frames and steel/iron presses with pressing boards should be provided, the number depending on the size of the staff and the nature of the work. Books and boxes can be lettered in a finishing section equipped with tools and a blocking/stamping press and type. Because most binding operations now letter titles using laser-printed labels, a high-resolution computer is needed.

There should also be at least two sinks, one for washing hands and tools, which should be deep enough to hold a bucket, and a large sink capable of supporting aqueous treatment, ideally 1.6 meters x 0.84 meters x 0.15 meters deep, with the short end against the wall. There should be one faucet with a flexible spray attachment, and the water supply should be multi-filtered to remove particulates and metals.