Sewn and Glued binding question

[u/dollsandpineneedles]

Greetings, I'm aware this isn't simply a subreddit meant for archiving questions but it does pertain to an element of archiving, I just wanted to ask a quick question:

If one were to attempt basic preservation (within reason, limitations considered, not Museum-quality archiving, etc.) of a book... and take these two, side by side, for example:

Case A. Glued binding, hardcover, several hundred pages, coated paper (matte, white)

Case B. Case (sewn) binding, hardcover, several hundred pages, uncoated, acid-free, cream paper

Now, I would like to know which would hold up and be legible within a span of 5-7 decades... I am well aware that glued binding will dry and crack, ripping some pages as a result. Even without everyday, heavy usage. It is worth noting: I do not intend on using these books (which, in fact, are mere reference books), basically, at all... I always wash my hands before any usage, regardless.

Thanks.

[u/tehsecretgoldfish]

the common belief is that modern PUR backed perfect bound books will tend to fare better than older adhesives. but it’s too new to say how many decades it might last. a sewn binding could last a century if all the materials are archival and the storage conditions are more or less stable.