Issue 134

Well, not exactly time to count, but it is almost time for the 2025 Educational Lending Right (ELR) School Library Survey.

Each year, the Australian Government’s Office for the Arts collects up-to-date library book count data to ensure Australian creators and publishers receive compensation for the free use of their books in school libraries. Education Services Australia (ESA) assists the government by collecting this data from Australian schools.

…the more you support authors the more access you give to young people to have your books, especially those who otherwise can’t afford them.

Remember that ELR is simply a great Aussie book count, showing how many specific Aussie book titles you have in your library.

If your school library is selected to participate, you’ll receive an email from [email protected]. Invitations are sent to both the library and general school email addresses. Your invitation will include a supporting letter from the Australian Government’s Office for the Arts, details of the permission provided by your governing jurisdiction, and important details on how to complete the survey.

It should only take you 5 to 10 minutes to complete the survey, as most of the process is automated by your library management system. It’s a quick and simple process that makes such a big difference to Australian book creators.

PLR (Public Lending Right) and ELR are vitally important, so it's important that school library staff participate in the ELR survey so that authors and publishers can get what they deserve. - Gabrielle Wang, Author, 2022-2023 Australian Children's Laureate

Further information about the ELR School Library Survey can be found on the ESA website. Details on how the survey supports book creators are available from the Australian Lending Right Schemes website.

The count begins in September. Help us support Australian book creators so they can continue to do what they do best – make great books!