Clean the spine area. At times, especially on older books, you will find strands of paper, fiber reinforcement, and even previous repair material that has deteriorated. This material should be removed using a sharp razor. Avoid pulling it away with your fingers.
Apply the adhesive. Apply a liberal amount of paper adhesive (without allowing it to run) to all areas of the spine to within ½ inch or ¾ inch of each end. Press the spine to the bound pages, and run your hand up and down as you do to circulate the adhesive. The exception to this process would be books that have an open spine that allows for buckling when the book is laid open. In these instances, only the edges would be secured.
Re-form the seam. Bring the board (cover) up snug to its proper place for it to meet the first page or liner. Check to see if the fit is good and that the spine is set correctly. Close the board down, and again check for proper alignment. Using a round pen (or doweling of approximately the same size), press down along the seam. This is the last step to be performed. Allow ample time for the adhesive to set and cure.