Legal Definitions - PLR

PLR stands for Public Lending Right.

The Public Lending Right is a legal entitlement that allows authors, illustrators, and other rights holders to receive payment when their books are borrowed from public libraries. This right acknowledges that while a library purchases a book once, it is then lent out multiple times, generating ongoing public use of the copyrighted work. The payments are typically calculated based on the number of times a book is borrowed or held in library stock, providing a form of compensation for the public availability of their creative output.

• Example 1: A Bestselling Novelist

  Imagine Sarah, a popular novelist whose latest mystery novel is a huge success. Public libraries across the country purchase copies, and the book is borrowed thousands of times each month. Under the Public Lending Right scheme, Sarah would receive a payment based on these borrowings. This payment compensates her for the extensive public use of her novel beyond the initial sale to the libraries, recognizing the value her work provides to library patrons.

• Example 2: An Academic Author

  Dr. Chen writes a highly specialized non-fiction book on sustainable urban planning. While it may not sell millions of copies, it becomes an essential resource for university students and researchers who frequently borrow it from academic and public libraries. Through the Public Lending Right, Dr. Chen receives a modest but consistent income stream, acknowledging the ongoing educational and research value derived from her intellectual property each time her book is borrowed by a student or professional.

• Example 3: A Children's Book Illustrator

  Maria illustrates a series of beloved children's picture books. These books are staples in children's sections of public libraries, borrowed repeatedly by families and schools. Even though each individual loan generates a small amount, the cumulative effect of thousands of loans across many libraries means Maria, as the illustrator and co-creator, receives a significant Public Lending Right payment. This demonstrates how the right supports creators whose works have a long shelf-life and high circulation, especially among younger readers.