I had a conversation about books with a friend of mine and we came into the subjects of buying books vs borrowing books from a public library. He said that he likes to support the author and prefers to buy the books he reads.
This made me think. The answer is pretty clear when it comes to buying vs downloading a pirate copy, but in the case with libraries it seems incorrect to say that I’m not supporting the author, but I can’t say why.
What do you think?
by JackoZacko
9 Comments
Authors get paid when the library purchases physical copies or digital licenses.
Libraries usually purchase the book (and if they use a dedicated library vendor like GOBI, at higher than retail prices). With popular books they might purchase multiple copies and eventually have to replace them.
Many countries have something called Public Lending Right, which is a regular payment to authors or publishers (depending on jurisdiction IIRC – but in the latter case the understanding is what it will be paid out to authors), with the amount varying based on circulation statistics. There’s a similar scheme that makes payments to record labels on behalf of bars and cafes where cover artists perform for free, so they don’t have to charge their patrons extra and then track down the rights holders themselves.
Author here — we generally love libraries!
Libraries buy copies of our books and when demand is there (as when people like yourself check them out!) they sometimes buy even more!
Plus, when librarians notice books being checked out, they often become interested and do things like…
– display the books for greater attention
– invite the authors for events/talks
– spread the word to other librarians
Libraries are awesome!
I support both libraries and authors. My rules are:
1) Trying a new author? Library for the first book. If I like it, buy future books instead.
2) Author already a millionaire? (Not just popular, but wealthy) Library all day.
I do both. I read mostly from the library, and if I love the book and want to support the author I’ll go buy it.
I’d go broke with how much my kid reads. It’s not really a choice for us.
A library and downloading are copy are essentially the same. The author gets paid initially and then the book is shared by lots of people. Just think of the internet as a larger library with no late fees, every book always available, and easily accessible.
Also – the library will order the next book by the author, and pre-sales are super important!
I’ve thought about this a lot, too. I appreciate the discussion here.