Are Libraries Beneficial, or Hurtful to Authors?

[Tower75]

Hi, all.

Random musings for the end of the week. I've recently started using my local library a lot, I never really bothered before, don't know why, but I'm a die-hard library'er now.

However, I got thinking something on my last trip. My membership to the library is free, to take out a book is free; okay the library bought a copy, but a hundred people can read one copy of a book. Without the library those 100 people could have each purchased a copy of that book. Money which the publisher and author will receive, I guess. Or does it not work that way?

I dunno, just had a random pang of guilt that I was doing the author a disservice.

What's the verdict?

 

[Vince W]

Libraries are hugely beneficial to authors. Not only do they purchase books, but it's free promotion. I don't know how many new authors I've discovered because of taking a chance on a book borrowed from the library. I may not buy all their books in the future, but I've probably bought at least one or two. Libraries are a boon to everyone, writer and reader alike.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Beneficial. Always.

 

[Tower75]

Well, that's good. I'll carry on with abandon. Though I'm not abandoning anything. Silly phrase. English is weird.

 

[chongjasmine]

I think it is beneficial to authors. I bought books which I first read in a library.

 

[Extollager]

I think it is beneficial to authors. I bought books which I first read in a library.

Me too! And I have lived in towns with no bookstores. In the pre-digital age I probably would have learned late, if at all, of some of the books that have meant most to me, if not for seeing them in the public library (Tolkien!).

 

[Bick]

Well, that's good. I'll carry on with abandon. Though I'm not abandoning anything. Silly phrase. English is weird.

Abandon here is a noun not the verb, and has the meaning:
noun

1. complete lack of inhibition or restraint.
   "she sings and sways with total abandon"

 

[Astro Pen]

Libraries go back a long way . They are already totally factored in to the publishing industry as a fundamental in their business model.
Also don't forget that many people ask libraries to buy books.

Our writers group meet in a room at the local library. So they are a literary cultural hub, encouraging the art, not just book lenders.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Authors receive royalties when their books are borrowed from libraries. The amount of royalty varies depending the library system, the publisher, and the book's format.

In the United States, the Public Lending Right (PLR) system pays authors a small amount for each time their book is borrowed from a public library. However, the PLR system only covers physical books, not e-books or audiobooks.

In some other countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, the PLR system covers all formats, including e-books and audiobooks.

The amount of royalties paid to authors can vary from country to country and library system to library system. For example, in the UK, the PLR system pays authors 9.03 pence (12 cents) per loan, up to a maximum of £6,600 ($9,115) per year. In Australia, authors receive 50 cents per loan, up to a maximum of AUD $50,000 ($38,000) per year.

 

[BAYLOR]

Library's help keep good books from being forgotten . Were it not a fora Branch Liberty in my town , I never would found the science fiction novel Alph by Charles Eric Maine .

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

In the United States, the Public Lending Right (PLR) system pays authors a small amount for each time their book is borrowed from a public library.

I don't believe this is correct.

However, in addition to the other ways that have been mentioned that libraries can be beneficial, local libraries can be supportive of local authors in all sorts of ways.

 

[Snicklefritz]

I don't believe this is correct.

However, in addition to the other ways that have been mentioned that libraries can be beneficial, local libraries can be supportive of local authors in all sorts of ways.

The information about PLR in the United States is not correct for the United States entire. Thank you for the correction. However several US states have PLR programs, including California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington.
As for internationally: According to Public Lending Right International PLR International

33 countries currently have PLR systems. 29 of these are in Europe. Outside Europe only Australia, Canada, Israel and New Zealand have PLR systems. (A further 24 countries have made provision for lending rights in legislation but have not taken the next step of setting up working PLR systems.)