Introduction

The IPA recognizes and appreciates the vital role libraries play in developing a reading culture and in supporting the wider book ecosystem. In 2000, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the IPA established a joint steering group, which has now met more than 20 times, to work together on matters of common interest. Its mission statement is as follows:

“To improve library/publisher relations throughout the world through cooperative inititatives and ongoing dialogue and communication for the mutual benefit of the two communities. As technological developments are changing the way both communities operate, it is important to identify and promote areas of synergy and discuss ways to address divergences”.

IPA monitors the challenges libraries face in issues such as preservation, parallel importation and orphan works, putting forward solutions which serve the interests of the publishing community. An example is e-book lending, where the IPA advocates for business models which involve publishers and libraries collaborating to deliver schemes which provide libraries with access to titles while protecting publishers’ revenue streams.