Margery Bayne: Library Checkouts Do Not Harm Authors' Earnings

Self-published author and librarian Margery Bayne argues that checking out a book from the library instead of buying it does not hurt an author's bottom line. Bayne explains that libraries pay publishers for books, and publishers pay authors royalties on library sales, just like bookstore sales. This means that authors still earn money from library checkouts.

Libraries play a vital role in book distribution and promotion. They track the number of times a book is checked out, which can lead to additional sales when libraries need to purchase replacement copies or more copies to meet community demand. This tracking system benefits authors by increasing their visibility and potential revenue.

Digital books, including e-books and audiobooks, are subject to higher pricing for libraries compared to consumers. Publishers also impose restrictions on how libraries can lend these books. For instance, libraries can only lend an e-book 26 or 52 times before they have to purchase another license, often at a high cost ranging from $60 to $80.

Many authors welcome library checkouts as a valuable marketing tool. Margery Bayne suggests that readers who cannot afford to buy books can still support authors by borrowing from libraries. She states, "If you love a book you borrowed from the library and think you're one day going to read it again, buy a copy. But if you are low on funds, there are other ways to support an author besides purchasing the book."

Why this matters: The debate around library checkouts and authors' earnings has significant implications for the publishing industry and authors' livelihoods. If libraries are not fairly compensated for book lending, it could lead to a decline in authors' earnings and a shift in the way books are consumed.

Jane Friedman, a publishing industry reporter, reinforces this view by saying, "Your library checkout guilt is probably unwarranted. Libraries pay publishers for books and publishers pay authors royalties on library sales, just like bookstore sales." This highlights the financial benefits that authors receive from library sales.

The debate around the impact of library checkouts on authors' incomes has been ongoing. In 2019, Macmillan faced backlash for delaying the release of new e-books for library lending, citing concerns that rapid borrowing decreases the perceived economic value of a book. However, the company eventually abandoned the embargo in response to widespread criticism from libraries and readers.

Libraries are not just a source of free books; they are powerful promoters of literacy and community engagement. Research has shown that libraries are one of the best unofficial marketing and promotion arms of book publishers. Authors like Danielle Bayard Jackson prefer readers who borrow from libraries and actively promote books within their communities.

Bayne also emphasizes the significant difference between library checkouts and illegal book piracy. She notes, "The one thing you should feel guilty for is pirating a book online. There is a big difference between one pirated copy online that is shared with potentially hundreds or thousands of people versus the 9,000 library systems in the U.S. buying multiple copies of a book for a localized community to share."

Key Takeaways

• Libraries pay publishers for books, and publishers pay authors royalties on library sales.
• Library checkouts increase authors' visibility and potential revenue through tracking and replacement copies.
• Digital books have higher pricing and lending restrictions for libraries compared to consumers.
• Many authors welcome library checkouts as a valuable marketing tool and way for readers to support them.
• Library checkouts do not hurt authors' earnings, and readers should not feel guilty for borrowing books.