Steve Weiner, who wrote the terrific 101 Graphic novels for Libraries writes to say:

Neil, I just wanted to clarify the "library
binding" issue recently raised in
your online journal. "Library binding"
is the pinched rectangular binding you
see on some books. My impression,
as a librarian, is that this kind of
binding doesn't really last longer,
looks odd, and can, in some instances,
cut one's fingers. Best, Steve Weiner