Book conservation strategy is dictated by the form of binding structure, and in particular the method of leaf attachment. Until comparatively modern times, books in the West consisted of folded sections sewn onto "slips" such as leather thongs, hemp cords, vellum strips, or linen tapes. This "through the fold" sewing allows relatively simple rebinding as the sections were sewn together using a kettle stitch and different configurations of sewing patterns. Beginning in the early nineteenth century however, a bewildering variety of leaf fastening techniques were employed involving stabbing methods whereby the entire text block was stabbed through (wire sewing, stitching, nailing, Singer sewing, post binding, plastic comb binding, spiral metal fasteners, oversewing, etc), and adhesive methods, whereby single leaves were glued together with various concoctions of rubber. All these methods were successfully mechanized and treating the large number of books constructed using these techniques is challenging and requires experienced judgment to preserve the essential nature of the books while making their contents more easily accessible.

Unless a rare book has a secondary binding to replace the original binding, the original binding should be restored to its original appearance and function.

Broken sewing

For Western style books and bindings, if the sewing is broken and the book must be resewn, the binding must be carefully removed for reapplication at the appropriate time. Usually, washing, alkalization, and resizing may be done when the book has been disbound. The book leaves are then repaired as needed, resewn in the appropriate fashion, and the original binding replaced and reinforced.

Damaged binding

If the original sewing is sound but the binding is damaged, it can usually be restored through rebacking techniques using leather, vellum, parchment, cloth, or paper. Any paper repairs can usually be accomplished in situ.

Lost binding

If the original binding has been lost, the book may be rebound. The object is to produce a sound binding appropriate to the period but without replicating the period style. There should be no elaborate gold tooling or fake antiquing.