The major difference between the approaches to library conservation and museum conservation is that treatment for library and archives material must be executed not only with a concern for their artifactual value, as with museum objects, but with the understanding of the use and handling the items will receive as well. This study was made on a circulating, reserve collection that received high use precisely with that idea in mind -- to make books work. The purpose of this year-long experiment with the Columbia College Reserve Collection was twofold. The major focus was to determine the cost effectiveness of a regular repair and maintenance program and a routine commercial library rebinding program. The secondary focus of this study was to test the effectiveness of certain treatments that have been used or recommended for use in circulating collections. From this study it is recommended, as a preventive treatment, that circulating, reserve collections purchase new titles only in paperback and have them library rebound prior to their placement on the shelves. Reparative treatments recommended are readhering hinges, spine/hinge replacement, paper mends and hinge reinforcement. -- AATA