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51-5113.00 · Task explorer

Print Binding and Finishing Workers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Bind books and other publications or finish printed products by hand or machine. May set up binding and finishing machines.

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This source lists 25 tasks, including 13 marked Core and 12 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 07/2015.

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25 tasks shown

Core · Task 19460 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Examine stitched, collated, bound, or unbound product samples for defects, such as imperfect bindings, ink spots, torn pages, loose pages, or loose or uncut threads.

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Core · Task 19453 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Read work orders to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up.

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Core · Task 19461 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Install or adjust bindery machine devices, such as knives, guides, rollers, rounding forms, creasing rams, or clamps, to accommodate sheets, signatures, or books of specified sizes.

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Core · Task 19459 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Trim edges of books to size, using cutting machines, book trimming machines, or hand cutters.

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Core · Task 19458 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Stitch or glue endpapers, bindings, backings, or signatures, using sewing machines, glue machines, or glue and brushes.

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Core · Task 19450 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or to determine whether adjustments are needed.

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Core · Task 19448 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms.

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Core · Task 19462 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Lubricate, clean, or make minor repairs to machine parts to keep machines in working condition.

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Core · Task 19455 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Set up or operate bindery machines, such as coil binders, thermal or tape binders, plastic comb binders, or specialty binders.

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Core · Task 19457 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Set up or operate machines that perform binding operations, such as pressing, folding, or trimming.

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Core · Task 19463 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Prepare finished books for shipping by wrapping or packing books and stacking boxes on pallets.

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Core · Task 19456 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Set up or operate glue machines by filling glue reservoirs, turning switches to activate heating elements, or adjusting glue flow or conveyor speed.

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Core · Task 19464 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Train workers to set up, operate, and use automatic bindery machines.

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Supplemental · Task 19447 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Insert book bodies in devices that form back edges of books into convex shapes and produce grooves that facilitate cover attachment.

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Supplemental · Task 19443 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Cut cover material to specified dimensions, fitting and gluing material to binder boards by hand or machine.

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Supplemental · Task 19442 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Cut binder boards to specified dimensions, using board shears, hand cutters, or cutting machines.

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Supplemental · Task 19440 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Bind new books, using hand tools such as bone folders, knives, hammers, or brass binding tools.

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Supplemental · Task 19451 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Perform highly skilled hand finishing binding operations, such as grooving or lettering.

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Supplemental · Task 19446 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Imprint or emboss lettering, designs, or numbers on book covers, using gold, silver, or colored foil, and stamping machines.

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Supplemental · Task 19441 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Compress sewed or glued signatures, using hand presses or smashing machines.

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Supplemental · Task 19449 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Meet with clients, printers, or designers to discuss job requirements or binding plans.

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Supplemental · Task 19445 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Form book bodies by folding and sewing printed sheets to form signatures and assembling signatures in numerical order.

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Supplemental · Task 19444 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Design original or special bindings for limited editions or other custom binding projects.

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Supplemental · Task 19452 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Punch holes in and fasten paper sheets, signatures, or other material, using hand or machine punches and staplers.

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Supplemental · Task 19454 · 07/2015 · Incumbent

Repair, restore, or rebind old, rare, or damaged books, using hand tools.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.