#  The Ounce: Not if we jam it! (bin-packing guidance) 

 





March 05, 2025

 

 

For all you [Spaceballs](/https:/www.imdb.com/title/tt0094012/) (1987 Mel Brooks movie) fans out there…The Ounce has prepared a Preservation redux to help you pack books into hinged-lid transport bins.

   ![20250305_spaceballsjamit.gif](/sites/g/files/omnuum11066/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/library-preservation/files/20250305_spaceballsjamit.jpg?itok=_VfK5-c7) 

 

BARF: What are we doing risking our lives for a rush recalled library book? I know we need the money...

LONE STARR: Listen. We're not doing this for money. We're doing it for a s\*\*t load of money!

BARF: Oh, you're right, and when you're right, you're right, and you, you're always right. Okay, we send it, but how? The minute we add it to that bin, it’s going to run out of room.

LONE STARR: Uh-uh.

BARF: Uh-huh.

LONE STARR: Uh-uh, not if we…jam it.

 But seriously, folks, please don’t jam books into bins! That 40-pound limit sneaks up on you.

In addition to our [bin-packing webpage](/https:/projects.iq.harvard.edu/carefulhandling/conservation-guidelines-packing-bins-transport-library-books), we offer a delightfully earnest [bin-packing video tutorial](/https:/vimeo.com/706266729/a627be9f9b) with the gentlest of guidance about how to protect both the collections and the backs of all bin handlers.

Want to chat about handling issues?

[Email Preventive Programs](mailto:HL_PrevProInquiries@HU.onmicrosoft.com) and check out our [Careful Handling website](/https:/projects.iq.harvard.edu/carefulhandling), made for you!

"The Ounce" is an occasional series about preventing damage to library materials from the Preventive Programs group within Harvard Library Preservation Services.



 

 

 



 

 

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