Linda- I agree that coil binding renders a book much easier to use, to copy, etc. However, those plastic coils do not last very long. They split, come out, get crushed and are rendered practically unusable---I have a shelf full of fund raiser cookbooks in very poor condition to prove it. The plastic seems to dry out and become brittle over time. So, for longevity's sake---and a family history should be available for many years to come, I vote for the hard cover even though it isn't as user-friendly. It will last longer. Joanne Galvin Michigan Researching Northup, Hampton, McCall, Phelps, Blake, Daggett, Syler, Berridge,Plymale, Kinder, Cottrell, Gilbert, Baker, Rood ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.