Legal Definitions - public-lending right

The term Public-Lending Right, often abbreviated as PLR, refers to a legal entitlement for authors to receive a payment when their books are borrowed from public libraries. This right is a form of copyright protection, acknowledging that authors should be compensated for the public use of their creative works, even when those works are not directly purchased by the end-user. It exists in the United Kingdom and several other countries, but it is not a universal right.

Here are some examples illustrating the Public-Lending Right:

• Example 1: A Popular Novelist
  Eleanor Vance is a highly successful author of historical fiction living in a country with a Public-Lending Right scheme. Her latest novel is a massive hit, and thousands of copies are purchased by public libraries nationwide. Throughout the year, these copies are borrowed by countless readers, often being checked out immediately after being returned. Because of the Public-Lending Right, Eleanor receives a payment calculated based on the total number of times her book was borrowed from all participating public libraries. This payment compensates her for the widespread public access to her work that occurs without a direct sale to each reader.

• Example 2: A Non-Fiction Academic Author
  Dr. Ben Carter, a university professor, publishes a comprehensive book on environmental policy. While it's not a mass-market bestseller, his book becomes a crucial resource for students, researchers, and interested citizens who frequently borrow it from public and university libraries that participate in a PLR program. Even though Dr. Carter's book might not sell millions of copies, the Public-Lending Right ensures he still earns a royalty reflecting the consistent public use and intellectual engagement with his scholarly work through library loans.

• Example 3: A Children's Book Creator
  Lila Chen writes and illustrates a beloved series of picture books for young children. Her books are staples in the children's sections of public libraries, constantly being borrowed by families and educators. In a country where the Public-Lending Right is in effect, Lila receives regular payments. These payments are determined by how often her books are checked out by children and their parents, acknowledging her contribution to public literacy and entertainment, even when the books are accessed through free library services.