BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasPrint Binding and Finishing Workers

O*NET · 51-5113.00

Print Binding and Finishing Workers

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

Also called Bander · Binder · Binder Operator · Bindery Associate · Bindery Cutter · Bindery Cutter Operator · Bindery Folder Operator · Bindery Machine Operator
60 more

Bindery Machine Set-Up Operator · Bindery Machine Setter · Bindery Machine Tender · Bindery Operator · Bindery Specialist · Bindery Technician · Bindery Worker · Book Binder · Book Coverer · Book Cutter · Book Finisher · Book Mender · Book Repairer · Book Sewer · Book Sewing Machine Operator · Bookbinder · Bookbinding Machine Operator · Bookmaker · Books Binder · Case Binder Operator · Caser · Casing in Line Setter · Collating Machine Operator · Copy and Print Associate · Covering Machine Operator · Custom Bookbinder · Cutter · Finisher · Finishing Machine Operator · Finishing Operator · Foil Stamp Operator · Folder Gluer Operator · Folder Operator · Folding Machine Operator · Folding Machine Setter · Gathering Machine Setter · Hand Bindery Assembly Worker · Knife Operator · Liner Operator · Machine Operator · Magazine Repairer · Paperback Machine Operator · Perfect Binder Operator · Perfect Binder Setter · Print Binding and Finishing Worker · Print Binding Worker · Print Finishing Worker · Rounding and Backing Machine Operator · Saddle and Side Wire Stitcher · Saddle Stitch Operator · Saddle Stitcher Operator · Saddle Stitching Machine Operator · Side Stitching Machine Operator · Small Machine Bindery Operator · Spiral Binder · Spiral Binder Operator · Stitcher Operator · Stitching Machine Operator · Stitching Machine Setter · Tinning Machine Set-Up Operator

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code CRA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Sheet Metal Workers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CRAConventional · Realistic · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.49
  • R Realistic5.44
  • A Artistic2.05
  • S Social1.47
  • E Enterprising1.23
  • I Investigative1.20

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma4%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent88%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate4%
  • Some College Courses1%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (41%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (38%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Complex Problem Solving3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Quality Control Analysis3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Speakingbasic3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Equipment Maintenance2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Operation and Control2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Active Listeningbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Coordination2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
  • Instructing2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Repairing2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Time Management2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Writingbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Troubleshooting2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Service Orientation2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.52.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Active Learningbasic2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Equipment Selection2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Systems Analysis2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Persuasion2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Mathematicsbasic2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Negotiation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Installation1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Technology Design1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Programming1.60.9
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.8
  • Management of Material Resources1.60.8
  • Operations Analysis1.3—
  • Sciencebasic1.1—

Tasks

13 core · 12 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Read work orders to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up.4.6
  2. 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.4.6
  3. Stitch or glue endpapers, bindings, backings, or signatures, using sewing machines, glue machines, or glue and brushes.4.5
  4. Trim edges of books to size, using cutting machines, book trimming machines, or hand cutters.4.5
  5. 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.4.5
  6. Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms.4.4
  7. Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or to determine whether adjustments are needed.4.4
  8. Set up or operate bindery machines, such as coil binders, thermal or tape binders, plastic comb binders, or specialty binders.4.4
  9. Lubricate, clean, or make minor repairs to machine parts to keep machines in working condition.4.4
  10. Set up or operate machines that perform binding operations, such as pressing, folding, or trimming.4.3
  11. Prepare finished books for shipping by wrapping or packing books and stacking boxes on pallets.4.2
  12. Set up or operate glue machines by filling glue reservoirs, turning switches to activate heating elements, or adjusting glue flow or conveyor speed.4.1
Show the other 13
  1. Train workers to set up, operate, and use automatic bindery machines.4.0
  2. Insert book bodies in devices that form back edges of books into convex shapes and produce grooves that facilitate cover attachment.4.4
  3. Bind new books, using hand tools such as bone folders, knives, hammers, or brass binding tools.4.3
  4. Cut binder boards to specified dimensions, using board shears, hand cutters, or cutting machines.4.3
  5. Cut cover material to specified dimensions, fitting and gluing material to binder boards by hand or machine.4.3
  6. Compress sewed or glued signatures, using hand presses or smashing machines.4.2
  7. Form book bodies by folding and sewing printed sheets to form signatures and assembling signatures in numerical order.4.2
  8. Imprint or emboss lettering, designs, or numbers on book covers, using gold, silver, or colored foil, and stamping machines.4.2
  9. Meet with clients, printers, or designers to discuss job requirements or binding plans.4.2
  10. Perform highly skilled hand finishing binding operations, such as grooving or lettering.4.2
  11. Design original or special bindings for limited editions or other custom binding projects.4.0
  12. Punch holes in and fasten paper sheets, signatures, or other material, using hand or machine punches and staplers.3.8
  13. Repair, restore, or rebind old, rare, or damaged books, using hand tools.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Administration and Management3.53.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Production and Processing3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mechanical3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Customer and Personal Service3.12.8
  • English Language2.92.7
  • Mathematics2.92.9
  • Administrative2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Education and Training2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Design2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Psychology1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Engineering and Technology1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Physics1.80.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Economics and Accounting1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Public Safety and Security1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Chemistry1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Communications and Media1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Transportation1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Telecommunications1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Building and Construction1.3—
  • Law and Government1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.2—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • Geography1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Biology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Finger Dexterity3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Near Vision3.53.6
  • Problem Sensitivity3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Manual Dexterity3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Oral Comprehension3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Deductive Reasoning3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Speech Clarity3.32.8
  • Visualization3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Control Precision3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Inductive Reasoning3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Selective Attention3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Recognition3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Trunk Strength3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Written Comprehension3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Information Ordering3.03.3Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Multilimb Coordination3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Category Flexibility2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Perceptual Speed2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Reaction Time2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Written Expression2.92.8
  • Extent Flexibility2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Far Vision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Rate Control2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Static Strength2.82.8
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.9
  • Auditory Attention2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Dynamic Strength2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Depth Perception2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Fluency of Ideas2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Stamina2.52.6
  • Time Sharing2.52.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Explosive Strength2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Memorization2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Originality2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.42.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Gross Body Coordination2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.31.8Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Response Orientation2.12.3Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.02.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Sound Localization1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Glare Sensitivity1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Night Vision1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.51.0Level 2 looks like: Hand pick a bushel of apples from a tree
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.40.8

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.34.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting Information4.23.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.05.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.73.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.32.7
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.32.9
  • Processing Information3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Training and Teaching Others3.22.8
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.12.7
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Thinking Creatively3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.02.8
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Developing and Building Teams2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Working with Computers2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.72.6
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.62.6
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.5—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Spend Time Standing4.7
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.3
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.3
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.2
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.0
  • Time Pressure3.9
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets3.9

Technology

11 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (7)
  • Email software
  • Houchen Bindery Library Automated Retrieval System LARS
  • Label printing software
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Trade Bindery Software Bindery Estimating System
  • Trade Bindery Software Bindery Management System
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  2. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  3. Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
  4. Sewing Machine Operators
  5. Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  6. Machine Feeders and Offbearers
  7. Printing Press Operators
  8. Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  9. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  10. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.