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Textbook Rentals Come to UC Bookstore

New Program Delivers Real Savings for Students

Written By Staff

Contact - cleogrande@utica.edu

Utica, NY (08/12/2010) - This fall, Utica College will become part of a select group of colleges and universities offering students a textbook rental program. This opportunity is made possible thanks to a partnership between Utica College administration and the campus bookstore, managed by Barnes & Noble. With textbook rentals, students can realize tremendous savings, paying less than half of what they would to purchase a new, printed textbook.

“We are thrilled to offer this program to our students,” said Lauren Partyka, bookstore manager. “We expect it will have a big impact on Utica College students not only because of the wonderful savings, but also because it is so convenient and easy to use.”

This multi-channel program allows students to rent their books either in the store or from the bookstore’s website www.utica.bkstore.com – whichever is more convenient. Rental fees, which provide a savings of more than 50% over purchasing a new book, can be paid for using any form of tender (cash, check, credit card, financial aid, etc.) as well as a valid credit card to secure the transaction. While not every textbook title is included in the rental program, more than 650 titles are available for rent this fall.

The rental terms and conditions were designed to give students maximum convenience and flexibility. For example, moderate highlighting and note-taking are permitted and the rental period covers the entire term. In fact, students have up to 10 days after the last day of finals to return their rented textbooks. They can bring books to bookstore or mail them back. As an added convenience, to help students remember to return their books, the bookstore will send out courtesy emails alerting students that the rental period is ending. If a book is not returned or is returned in unusable condition, replacement and processing fees are charged to the credit card on file for that student.

Barnes & Noble’s textbook rental program was piloted earlier this year at 25 schools. More than 90% of students who used the program liked it and said they would rent from the campus bookstore again. “We have always been focused on giving our students as many low-cost options as possible,” Partyka said. “We already offer a large supply of used books, unbundled books, custom books, and eTextbooks. Now with rentals, students can get all the options they want, right here.”

More information about the textbook rental program is available at the bookstore or on its website www.utica.bkstore.com.