SWEDISH LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - Svensk Biblioteksförening

IMPORTANTPRINCIPLES FORA NEW MODELLibraries have a deep and broad function in society, theyare important for: knowledge and learning, inspiration anddevelopment, culture and experiences, democracy andfreedom of information, as well as being community focalpoints and safe havens.The Swedish Library Association’s overarching premiseis everyone has the right of free access to information,culture and knowledge through public libraries. Someprinciples are particularly important for a sustainable remunerationmodel for eBook lending.WE WANT:• A model that ensures both that library users have access to allpublished formats, and that authors receive compensation fortheir works. Borrowers should be able to borrow and to consumemedia in the channels of their choice.• To make sure libraries should be able to offer borrowers up todate materials. So-called withdrawal periods should not occur.Libraries should be free to independently select and purchasebooks.• Technology that will not knowingly be used to hamper reading.For example, ensuring DRM protection does not preventpeople with disabilities taking advantage of eBooks.