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I have several old scrapbooks and photo albums that have the covers torn where they bend. I tried clear adhesive tape, but ti didn't last and left a gummy residue on the covers. What's the best way to repair?

There is a clear duct tape, that can sometimes be effective for this type of repair, especially if the album is not overly used.
The best type of tape is a book repair tape and is a woven cloth. It either has adhesive on it, or you can use a good white glue to adhere it. The glue I use is a PVA archival white glue from the art supply store. It is permanent and can adhere the tape, or even a heavier woven fabric strip that would create a tape hinge.

Also if there are printing press near you, you can choose and negotiate among various re-binding methods. Of course, you can also do it on your own.

If there's still extra binding space, you can try to have it spring bound. The "dirtied" part can be covered with available scrapbooking ornaments.