MDDI's response to PQ on Public Lending Rights Scheme for Local Works to Address Loss of Sales

Parliament Sitting on 7 January 2025

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

38. Ms Usha Chandradas asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the National Library Board has implemented any public lending rights schemes in respect of literary works written or published by local authors or  publishers that may address potential related issues such as the loss of sales of these works when they are borrowed from libraries instead of being purchased; and (b) if not, why not.

Answer:

A Public Lending Right (PLR) scheme is premised on the idea that authors or other rightsholders should receive some form of compensation for the loan of their books by public or other libraries. This has been implemented in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Denmark and Norway. 

However, there is no international consensus on the need for, or benefits of PLR. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ (IFLA’s) position is that there is little evidence that library lending causes such loss to authors that demand compensation through PLR. As such, IFLA does not support the principles of PLR, which can threaten free access to public library services. Instead, IFLA advocates for more appropriate and efficient ways to support authors. This is the position shared by the vast majority of libraries around the world. Given the lack of international consensus on the benefits of PLR schemes, the Government has not put in place legislation that requires libraries in Singapore, including the National Library Board (NLB), to implement such a scheme. 

The lending by NLB promotes equitable access to knowledge and enjoyment through reading and is a key platform for the discovery of local authors and publishers. NLB  supports local authors and publishers through the purchase of their books, and raising awareness of Singapore Literature, authors and publishers through a broad range of initiatives. These include NLB’s signature events like Read! Fest and the National Reading Movement, which aim to nurture a vibrant reading culture here. NLB also works with many partners across the literary ecosystem to organise talks by authors, support book launches, as well as arrange discussions and hands-on workshops with Singapore writers. NLB even facilitates the sale of books by local authors at selected events. NLB will continue with such efforts to create a vibrant reading eco-system in Singapore. The promotion of literacy and a love for books creates a society that is more likely to support local authors.