The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word BOOKENDS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
B
O
O
K
E
N
D
S
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BOOKENDS mean?
BOOKENDS noun- A heavy object or moveable support placed at one or both ends of a row of books for the purpose of keeping them upright.
- Something that comes before, after, or at both sides of something else.
- To come before and after, or at both sides of.