A PLR payment, or Public Lending Right payment, is a specific type of royalty received by authors and other creators for each time their books are borrowed from public libraries. This system ensures that creators are compensated for the use of their intellectual property, even when their works are accessed for free by library patrons.
Understanding Public Lending Right (PLR)
Public Lending Right (PLR) is a statutory right that provides authors with fair remuneration when their literary works are loaned out by public libraries. It acknowledges that while libraries provide an invaluable public service, the use of copyrighted material still merits compensation for its creators. This right allows authors to be paid for each loan of their work, directly linking their income to the public's engagement with their books in libraries.
How PLR Payments Work
The process of receiving a PLR payment involves several steps, designed to accurately track loans and distribute funds:
- Registration: Authors, illustrators, translators, and other contributors must register their eligible books with the relevant national PLR office. This typically includes providing details about the work, the ISBN, and the contributors involved.
- Loan Tracking: Public libraries submit data on book loans to the PLR office. Since tracking every single loan across all libraries can be extensive, many countries use a sampling method, where loans from a representative selection of libraries are recorded and then extrapolated to estimate national loan figures.
- Calculation: Based on the estimated number of loans for each registered work, and a pre-determined payment rate per loan, the PLR office calculates the amount due to each creator. This rate can vary annually and often has a minimum and maximum payment threshold.
- Distribution: Payments are typically made once a year to registered creators, often accompanied by a statement detailing the loans and calculation.
The History and Significance of PLR
The establishment of Public Lending Right was a significant milestone for authors' rights. In the United Kingdom, for example, it was granted in 1979 after a long and dedicated campaign spearheaded by organizations like the Society of Authors. Before PLR, authors received no direct payment when their books were borrowed from libraries, despite the books being used extensively.
The introduction of PLR was crucial because it:
- Fairly Compensates Authors: It provides a vital income stream, acknowledging that library loans are a form of usage that should be remunerated, similar to sales or other licensing.
- Supports Literary Creation: By offering financial support, PLR encourages authors to continue writing and contributing to the cultural landscape.
- Recognizes Intellectual Property: It reinforces the principle that intellectual property has value, even in non-commercial contexts like public libraries.
Who Benefits from PLR?
While often associated solely with authors, PLR benefits a broader range of creators:
- Authors: The primary beneficiaries, receiving payments for their written works.
- Illustrators: Creators of artwork within books, especially children's books, are often eligible.
- Translators: Individuals who translate works into other languages can also register for PLR.
- Editors: In some jurisdictions, editors who have made substantial creative contributions may also be eligible.
Key Aspects of PLR Payments
To summarize the core components of this essential right, here's a quick overview:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To ensure authors and creators are fairly paid for their works lent through public libraries. |
| Basis | Payments are directly linked to each loan of a registered book from public libraries. |
| Establishment | Gained statutory recognition in certain jurisdictions (e.g., UK in 1979) after extensive advocacy. |
| Beneficiaries | Primarily authors, but also illustrators, translators, and other creative contributors. |
| Mechanism | Requires registration of works and relies on library loan data for annual payment calculations. |
Navigating PLR Registration and Payments
For authors and creators, understanding the practical aspects of PLR is key:
- Eligibility: Ensure your work meets the specific criteria of your country's PLR scheme (e.g., format, ISBN, country of publication).
- Registration Process: Typically, you'll need to create an account with your national PLR office and register each eligible work. This often involves providing ISBNs and details about your role in the book's creation.
- Annual Statements: Once registered, you will usually receive annual statements detailing your loan numbers and the corresponding payment, often directly deposited into your bank account.
- Contact Information: Keep your contact and bank details updated with the PLR office to ensure timely payments.
PLR payments represent a fundamental recognition of authors' contributions to public life and are a testament to the ongoing value placed on their creative work.
