Australian book publishers or creators—authors, illustrators, editors, translators and compilers—can be compensated for the loss of income through the free multiple use of their work in Australian public and educational lending libraries.

The deadline for submitting new title claims is 31 March 2026.

https://lendingrights.arts.gov.au/

Funding application period: 1 April 2025 23:45 AEDT to 31 March 2026 23:45 AEDT.

Public Lending Right (PLR) and Educational Lending Right (ELR) are Australian Government programs that compensate Australian creators and publishers in recognition of income lost through free multiple use of their books in public and educational lending libraries. These programs support the enrichment of Australian culture by encouraging the growth and development of Australian writing.

A creator or a publisher must register and submit title claims within five years from the year of publication. Books are surveyed in a sample of either public lending libraries (PLR) or school, TAFE and university libraries (ELR).

Is my book eligible?

Eligible books are books:

• with an International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

• which have been published and offered for sale within five years from the year of publication

• which have a catalogue record in a national bibliographic database, eg SCIS or Australian National Bibliographic Database

• whose creators are individuals (companies or organisations are not eligible creators)

• with no more than five eligible creators.

Ineligible items include:

• music and audio-visual material

• magazines and other serial publications

• games or cards

• books designed for a single-use, such as activity books, sticker books or workbooks

• any other item without an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).

PLR and ELR payments are calculated and paid separately.

If you are eligible, your payment will be based on: the estimated number of your books held in public and educational (schools, universities and TAFEs) lending libraries; the proportion of the royalties you receive for your books; and the applicable rates for PLR payments and ELR payments.

This calculation must reach a minimum of $100 for you to receive a payment.

Anyone who owns copyright in text or images can apply for membership. Membership is free.

Apply here

The agreement is non-exclusive and the terms can be found here.

You can list your publications via your online account. See instructions here.

There’s information about how you can receive payment, including the annual writers’ claim here.

Reach out to Rosana Arciuli (02 9394 7663 / rarciuli@copyright.com.au) if you need more information about CA membership!