dogear

Dogear refers to the practice of folding down the corner of a page in a book, magazine, or other printed material to mark a specific place. This folded corner serves as a physical bookmark, allowing the reader to easily find their way back to that point in their reading. The term "dogear" is derived from the resemblance of the folded corner to the pricked ear of a dog.

While dogearing is a simple and accessible method for marking pages, it is often discouraged by libraries and collectors of rare books. The primary concern is that repeated dogearing can cause damage to the paper, leading to creases, tears, or weakening of the pages over time. This can diminish the aesthetic appeal and potentially the value of a book.

Alternative methods for marking pages include using dedicated bookmarks, such as those made of paper, cardstock, or plastic. These alternatives do not alter the pages of the book and are generally considered a more preservation-friendly approach. However, dogearing remains a common practice for many casual readers due to its immediacy and lack of requirement for any external tools. The act of dogearing is often seen as a personal and sometimes even affectionate gesture towards a well-loved book.