Keeping Binding 'In The Fold'

While the GPO's bindery does have modern equipment, some of its gear is over 40 years old.

"It lasts because we have extensive preventive maintenance," says Crawford.

The GPO started its bindery mostly due to issues of quality, turnaround time, control and national security.

"In the long run, it is less expensive to do projects in-house because quality is not compromised," says Crawford. Congress also requires many specialized services, and in-house book and library binding services were found to be a necessity for the GPO.