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?
Not an author but I generally check out books from the library when I read them and I really enjoy them, I buy a copy as a bookshelf trophy.
Of course there are some authors I will buy without reading it first.
Libraries are for us poor folk to still enjoy books. If you have the money and want to support an author, you can just buy their book.
Most authors in most countries get paid when you borrow a library book.
Not much, but honestly who cares if it’s a famous writer.
You are definitely supporting the author when getting the book from the library!!! It’s so difficult for writers to get libraries to buy their books.
If you want to support an author give them $5 on Patreon. Other methods support publishers first, authors second.
Sure, authors receive compensation through various channels when libraries acquire their works. When libraries purchase physical copies of books, authors typically earn royalties from the sale of these books. Similarly, when libraries acquire digital licenses for e-books or audiobooks, authors receive payment based on the terms of the licensing agreement. These agreements often involve royalties or payments negotiated between the author, publisher, and the library system. Additionally, some libraries participate in programs that compensate authors for the lending of their books through initiatives like the Public Lending Right (PLR) or similar systems, which provide authors with a small payment per loan of their books from libraries. Overall, the ways in which authors are remunerated for library acquisitions involve a combination of sales royalties, licensing agreements, and specific programs designed to support authors for their contributions to the literary world.
A lot of libraries will allow you to ask them to purchase certain books. You van support an author like that if they don’t already have a copy. Check their website
If I truly like a book, I usually buy it for myself though
I have author friends who very excitedly share the library lending rates of their books, that data also informs publishers and money is generated. You’re definitely still helping by using the library.
It depends. If I’m ever able to publish physical copies I’m definitely sending a few for free to some big libraries if I can. Libraries have given so much to me in my life and I feel like it’s my duty to give back to them. So, while I don’t get more money from the library after the initial purchase of the book, I just care about more eyes on my work and less on the money. I want to inspire artists like they have inspired me.