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Labels and Protectors

Labels and Protectors
What style of printer do you use to make labels? Most labels are designed for use with laser/inkjet printers, dot matrix printers, or typewriters:
  • Laser/Inkjet Labels: Available on 81/2" x 11" laser printer compatible sheets. Depending on the thickness of the label stock and printer capacity, label sheets may need to be hand fed. Laser labels may also be used with copiers; these are designed for one pass through the printer.
  • Dot Matrix Labels: Available on continuous pin-fed paper for use in dot matrix printers. Label stock is EDP (electronic data processing) compatible.
  • Typewriter Labels: Available on small sheets for hand feeding into typewriter. Label stock is compatible with typewriter print ribbon inks. Typewriter labels are not designed for use with laser jet printers and inkjet printers.
What label software package do you use? Your library processing software package will pre-determine what label formats you will need to make labels. Please refer to your software user’s manual for the label template that best fits your needs. Most labels are available in plain paper or foil back:
  • Foil-Backed Labels: The foil layer helps the label conform and stick to curved spines such as those on children's books. These labels are thick and opaque to prevent image shadowing, they provide sharp print contrast, and feature a smudge proof printing surface.
  • Paper Labels: Paper labels are more economical and provide a good choice for general library applications. These labels also feature a smudge-resistant printing surface; they're thin and conform easily to spines.
What label style should you choose? Most labels are available in five different styles:
  • Spine labels
  • Processing label sets
  • General office or mailing labels
  • Acid-free labels for rare books
  • SuperBond aggressive labels for difficult labeling surfaces
Why do I need a label protector? Use Brodart quality label protectors to:
  • Keep label information readable longer
  • Keep your labels clean and free from dirt and damage
  • Offer fade resistance and additional adhesion to difficult surfaces
  • Prevent labels from lifting and peeling
Labels and Protectors
How do I choose the right label protector? By examining the following label protector features, you should be able to select the label protector that's right for you:

Format

  • Rolls: Convenient, easy to dispense
  • Sheets: Shipped flat, easy to store
  • Individual: Feature a split-back, "band-aid" type liner
  • Continuous Protector Tape: Cut to length required and more economical that pre-cut protectors

Thickness

  • 1-mil: Thin polyester is aggressive and flexible; ideal for around spines; clear, so a good choice for bar codes
  • 2-mil: Twice as thick as 1-mil protectors; good for bar codes on a flat surface; not recommended for around spines
  • 4-mil: Thicker than 1 or 2-mil but vinyl is softer and more flexible; matte finish; conforms well to spines and curved surfaces

Material

  • Polyester: Clear and the most durable
  • Polypropylene: Economical and flexible
  • Vinyl: Soft and conformable; matte finish
  • Tedlar: Clear, thin and UV-resistant
  • Polyethylene: Clear and conformable

Size

  • Select a label protector size that will overlap the label by at least 1/8" over the top and bottom.
  • The protector should also overlap the sides of the label, past the hinge on the front and 1/2" past the label on the back.
Since a label is printed and manually applied to almost every item in your library collections, Brodart offers some general tips to help you improve or increase the performance of your labels and label protectors.
  • Prolong the shelf life and performance quality of labels and protectors by storing them in an area away from light and temperature extremes. (Recommended temperature is 68°-75° F.)
  • Keep labels and protectors in their original plastic packaging to protect them from humidity and moisture. (Recommended relative humidity is 45%-55%.)
  • Labels will perform best in printers if stored flat when not in use; do not use curled, warped or damaged labels in any printer.
  • After each printing, remove labels from printers and keep them flat with a weighted object. Labels kept in printers may curl away from the liner and cause jams.
  • During set-up and printing, always feed labels in a forward motion. Any reverse or backward motion may delaminate (remove) labels from the liner, causing them to stick to the platen or jam the printer. If backward or reverse motion is necessary, release the platen tension of the printer or typewriter.
  • For maximum adhesion, apply labels and protectors to a clean, dry surface and burnish the entire label to assure full adhesive contact with the surface. Avoid using hand lotion on hands when handling labels and protectors.