Over the last several years, books with a small wire loop have been found in at least three libraries across the United States. Initial inquiries found no satisfactory answer for their presence. Speculations ranged from some sort of security device (either to physically tie the book in place or as an early electronic detection system) or as a method of attaching a bookmarker to the textblock. None of these suggestions seem plausible given the nature of the device.
This is a query for more information about these devices. It is hoped that when other conservators have seen these loops or will in the future, they will forward this information to the presenter. This information will then be examined for an explanation and a catalog of books containing the loops will be created. A future report will hopefully reveal the solution to the mystery of the wire loop.
Any of you ever seen one of these?
