Under the PLR Scheme details of book loans are collected from a sample of around thirty public library authorities throughout the United Kingdom. For the year July 2006 - June 2007 we collected data from 1,067 branches. From July 2007 we have been collecting data from approximately 1,165 branches. The number of branches varies depending on which authorities are sampled. The loans data is collected by sample library computers over the period of a year (1 July - 30 June) and is transmitted to the PLR computer at regular intervals.

About 65% of public library authorities in the United Kingdom have participated in the PLR sample since the Scheme began in 1982. At least seven of the sample authorities are changed each year. Loans data is collected from several (or all) library branches within each authority.

PLR is restricted to loans of books from public libraries. Book loans from university, college, school and other libraries do not qualify for payment.

Current Sample shows the list of authorities which are participating in the sample this year (1 July 2007 - 30 June 2008). Previous years listings are available within the Library Sample Archive. The Forthcoming Sample details the authorities which will participate in the sample from 1 July 2008 - 30 June 2009.

Lists of national and regional 100 most borrowed titles are collated and distributed by PLR yearly. For further information look in our Media Centre.