Audiobook listeners to gain library compensation rights in Denmark

Readers of audiobooks will soon join the ranks of those eligible for library compensation as a proposal for an amendment to the library law has been introduced.

This legal change aims to extend rights for musicians and photographers to receive library compensation. Previously, these groups received compensation under regulations that were in effect until December 31 of last year.

The regulation outlining how library compensation should be distributed is also set for revision.

In the proposed updated regulation, the requirement that works must contain a minimum of 32 pages is being reduced to 17 pages, reverting to an earlier standard. This 17-page threshold is the criterion for when a literary work qualifies for inclusion in the Faroese Book List.

A budget of 1.8 million DKK has been allocated for library compensation, with an additional 250,000 DKK added this year. In total, 349 authors and 33 partners received library compensation for 2023.