15.03.22
We know that since the Public Lending Right (PLR), and Educational Lending Right (ELR) schemes were established in 1975 and 2000 respectively, they have represented one of the most reliable and stable sources of income for book creators, in some cases comprising a significant portion of an author’s earnings over a year. But we are concerned that the value of PLR/ELR will steadily erode if the schemes are not updated to include digital formats.
For some time the ASA has reported on the perilously low state of author and illustrator income, warning the Government in 2020 that the sustainability of Australian literature is under threat. It is within the context of low author earnings that the push for Digital Lending Rights is urgent. Given the majority of authors scrape together a living from multiple income streams, each source of income is critical.
As print collections reduce, and digital collections grow, a trend that is confirmed by the latest Australian Public Libraries Statistical Reports for 2015-2020, creators who are eligible for PLR/ELR payments will reduce.
The lending rights schemes are the key way that the federal Government supports authors and illustrators and they must be future-proofed. Several other countries have expanded their scheme to include digital formats including Canada, the United Kingdom and Denmark.
The time for modernising the scheme is now. We are waiting to see if the Government acts on the bipartisan recommendation made by the House of Representatives Standing Committee of Communications and the Arts to review the lending rights schemes to ensure authors are being adequately compensated. In our recent Pre-Budget submission, the ASA requested that funds be allocated to the expansion of Australia’s lending rights.
Hear from award-winning children’s author and ASA Ambassador, Morris Gleitzman about why future-proofing the schemes is essential in our interview below.
How important is PLR/ELR?
Ask any teacher about the books that have lit up their classroom lately, and then speak to the authors of those books, and you’ll almost certainly find that some of those books simply wouldn’t exist without the food put on the table by PLR and ELR.
Aussie stories help create smart, connected, big-hearted, future-ready Aussie kids. PLR and ELR help create those Aussie stories. All we’re asking is that this vital process be made future-ready too, with Digital Lending Rights.
Why is it essential that the Government modernises the criteria for lending rights to include digital copies?
PLR and ELR were visionary achievements in Canberra, and it's no exaggeration to say they’ve helped generations of Australian kids flourish. Now it’s time to breathe new life into this great legacy.
The annual injection of funds, and fairness, into our national literacy by PLR and ELR has shown many fine things about this country, including that our governments are better at organising injections than some might think. It’s crucial that the rollout of Digital Lending Rights not fall behind, because helping our kids keep up with the rest of the world is a race, and one that none of us want to lose.
How many of your books are held in digital format at your local library service?
Looking at two of my bestselling books, based on holdings at Brisbane City Council Libraries (36 branches in total):
Once
13 out of 29 editions are in digital format (44.8%)
Then
10 out of 23 editions are in digital format (43.5%)
Read our previous interview with Ambassadors Nick Earls here and Kirsty Murray here.
Share the ASA's DLR campaign with your networks and help us to raise awareness of this important issue.
You can also write to your local MP to request the expansion of the lending right schemes. You can use our sample letter here.
If you haven't already, consider joining the ASA. The ASA's lobbying efforts in Canberra would not be possible without our members' support. The more voters we can show we represent, the clearer our voice will be heard by the politicians with the power to make change.
Alternatively, if you're already a member or prefer to contribute without joining the ASA, you can donate to our Endowment Fund. Donations to the Endowment Fund go directly towards supporting the ASA to lobby and campaign for the rights and professional interests of authors and illustrators.
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