Book industry gets a financial boost

AUSTRALIAN creators and publishers whose books are held in educational lending libraries are now eligible to receive payments through the Educational Lending Right (ELR) program.

ELR complements the existing Public Lending Right scheme, which covers lending libraries.

A part of its Book Industry Assistance Plan, the Federal Government will provide $38 million over four years for ELR.

It recognises the cultural enrichment of the nation by Australian creators and publishers and acknowledges that income is lost from the free multiple use of their books in educational libraries.

The 2000-2001 program will cover books published between 1980 and 1999 that have been offered for sale and have an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).

The closing date for registrations and claims for the current program is September 29.