An Auckland publisher is challenging New Zealand's National Library Act requiring publishers to deliver three copies of each title to the National Library. Keith Pittman, managing director for David Bateman Ltd., said December 9 in Auckland District Court—where the company is being prosecuted for failing to supply copies of 10 titles—that small, family-owned publishers were hit hard by the provision.
According to the December 10 Christchurch Press, Pittman asserts that the law requires publishers to bear the cost of delivery, but the government must pay for the books. If this view prevails, it could cost the New Zealand government millions of dollars. A court decision is expected by January 29.
Posted December 28, 1998.