Hong Kong authors and illustrators set deadline for royalties deal
The group called on the government to introduce a scheme where public libraries pay royalties when their books are loaned out
Authors and illustrators who called on the government to introduce a scheme where public libraries pay royalties when their books are loaned out are stepping up their movement by setting a deadline for implementation of 2017/18, warning of further action if the plan is not carried out.
The move comes just two and half months after a copyright bill to protect creative industries was shelved and after the alliance’s request was turned down twice by the government.
Derek Lee Wai-wing, convener of the Hong Kong Public Lending Right Alliance, said the group, set up in 2013 and supported by 455 authors and illustrators including novelist Jin Yong and commentator Chip Tsao, would seek at least 1,000 signatures in the next few months for a joint agreement to ask the government to implement the public lending rights scheme in Hong Kong.
Currently running in 32 countries, including the UK, Canada and Australia, the system allows authors and illustrators to receive payment for loans of their books from public libraries.
Lee said that the alliance was also considering setting aside a portion of the royalties to establish a fund for training courses, encouraging more talent to join the creative industry and promoting local culture.