stationery binding
n.
The branch of bookbinding associated with books intended to be written in.
Notes
Stationery binding is distinguished from letterpress binding, which refers to that branch of bookbinding associated with books intended to be read. Stationery binding includes ledger, record, and account books; manifold and duplicate books, receipt books, checkbooks, passports, bankbooks, and loose-leaf volumes. It includes a variety of forms of mechanical binding, as well as punching, perforating, padding, ruling, and other miscellaneous binding operations. 'Stationery binding' is sometimes referred to as vellum binding because at one time the books were generally covered in vellum.
Citations
Roberts and Etherington 1982 The style of binding applied to books used for written records, e.g., blankbooks, is by necessity much different from that for books meant to be read. Their shape, size, and durability depend on the purpose for which they are intended; consequently, stationery bindings vary greatly in style, complexity, and quantity. Blankbooks, including court record books, which are generally required for permanent records, are bound in a different style from letterpress work because not only must the binding withstand heavy use, it must also open very flat for writing purposes.
