Print Binding and Finishing Workers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• 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.90
• Read work orders to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up.89
• 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.87
• Trim edges of books to size, using cutting machines, book trimming machines, or hand cutters.87
• Stitch or glue endpapers, bindings, backings, or signatures, using sewing machines, glue machines, or glue and brushes.87
• Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or to determine whether adjustments are needed.86
• Insert book bodies in devices that form back edges of books into convex shapes and produce grooves that facilitate cover attachment.86
• Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms.85
• Lubricate, clean, or make minor repairs to machine parts to keep machines in working condition.85
• Set up or operate bindery machines, such as coil binders, thermal or tape binders, plastic comb binders, or specialty binders.84
• Set up or operate machines that perform binding operations, such as pressing, folding, or trimming.83
• Cut cover material to specified dimensions, fitting and gluing material to binder boards by hand or machine.82

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operations Monitoring60

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Critical Thinking56

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Judgment and Decision Making53

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Monitoring53

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Complex Problem Solving50

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Quality Control Analysis50

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Active Listening47

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Coordination47

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Equipment Maintenance47

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Instructing47

  Teaching others how to do something.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Administration and Management63

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Production and Processing60

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Mechanical56

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Customer and Personal Service52

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• English Language48

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Mathematics48

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Administrative44

  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

• Education and Training43

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Computers and Electronics35

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Design29

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Personnel and Human Resources29

  Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

• Sales and Marketing29

  Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Finger Dexterity63

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Near Vision63

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Problem Sensitivity63

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness60

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Manual Dexterity60

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Oral Comprehension60

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Oral Expression60

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Deductive Reasoning56

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Speech Clarity56

  The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

• Visualization56

  The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

• Control Precision53

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Inductive Reasoning53

  The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Controlling Machines and Processes82

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Getting Information80

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings80

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Handling and Moving Objects76

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems73

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events69

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials68

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates66

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People65

  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work65

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Performing General Physical Activities65

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment63

  Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Attention to Detail92

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Dependability72

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness52

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Perseverance25

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Achievement Orientation24

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Integrity21

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Control18

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Stress Tolerance18

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Cooperation17

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Self-Confidence12

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Initiative10

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

• Adaptability9

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Conventional75

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Realistic74

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Artistic18

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Social8

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Enterprising4

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Investigative3

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day83%
  • Once a week or more but not every day12%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually82%
  • More than half the time11%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important72%
  • Very important12%
  • Important15%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important43%
  • Very important46%

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day80%
  • Never11%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually69%
  • About half the time17%
  • Less than half the time12%

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

  • Continually or almost continually53%
  • More than half the time29%
  • Less than half the time11%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day56%
  • Once a week or more but not every day22%
  • Never19%

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day50%
  • Once a week or more but not every day22%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%
  • Never13%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day45%
  • Once a week or more but not every day24%
  • Once a month or more but not every week13%
  • Once a year or more but not every month11%

• Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

  • Very important results39%
  • Important results33%
  • Minor results12%
  • No results12%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day49%
  • Once a week or more but not every day20%
  • Never22%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Electronic mail software

  Email software, Microsoft Outlook

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Label making software

  Label printing software

• Accounting software

  Trade Bindery Software Bindery Estimating System

• Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  Trade Bindery Software Bindery Management System

• Desktop publishing software

  Microsoft Publisher

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Internet browser software

  Web browser software

• Library software

  Houchen Bindery Library Automated Retrieval System LARS

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• Association for Print Technologies
• Foil and Specialty Effects Association

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Cutting Workers
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
• Sewing Machine Operators
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Printing Press Operators
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Shoe and leather workers
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Tailors, Dressmakers, and Sewers
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
• Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
• Sew clothing or other articles.
• Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
• Operate sewing equipment.
• Trim excess material from workpieces.
• Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
• Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
• Clean production equipment.
• Lubricate production equipment.
• Record operational or production data.
• Repair production equipment or tools.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Bindery Machine Setter
• Bindery Worker
• Bookbinder
• Folding Machine Operator