MACOMB, IL – As a college student on a limited budget, which would you rather do: buy a new textbook for $100, buy a used book for $75, get an e-book for $60 or rent a text for the semester for $45? In an effort to help students curb the cost of textbooks, the Western Illinois University Union Bookstore is launching a textbook rental pilot program in Fall 2010.
According to Bookstore Director Jude Kiah, the University Bookstore is working in conjunction with the store’s distributor to begin offering the rental program for 50 to 100 titles this fall. Kiah said it’s their goal to rent 95 percent of the school’s necessary texts by Spring 2011.
“This program is completely unlike the traditional textbook purchase. There’s a huge difference in how this operates and how we will need to do business, which is why we’re starting on a small scale basis this fall,” he noted. “Textbook rental is by far one of the cheapest options for students – and really for bookstores who work with large-scale distributors like we do – at the front end. This takes the risk out of buybacks for the student, and they receive their $20 deposit back when the book is returned.”
Students will be able to rent certain titles this fall at the bookstore or through the distributor via the bookstore’s website.
“Because of the costs involved with new books, these sales are declining. A rented textbook is a far more affordable option for students. And we expect these books to be highlighted or to have notes in the margin. Those things won’t affect the deposit,” Kiah said. “This is all about ‘we own the book, but you’re using it for awhile.’ But if a book isn’t returned, the student forfeits the deposit and his or her account will be charged.”
According to Kiah, the bookstore’s partnership with a major textbook distributor allows the University to participate in a rental program, which provides yet another option for students.
“The bookstore is an extension of the University’s services. We are here for the students and to provide a value for our students,” he said.
If students choose to purchase new or used texts over renting their school books, Kiah noted that the bookstore has changed its buyback options so students are getting more money back at the end of a semester.
“In addition to getting more money back we’re also offering students coupons to use in the bookstore for apparel and other merchandise, giving away prizes and price-matching our competitors,” he added. “We want to provide affordable services, combined with outstanding customer service. We’re selling services, not just commodities. And it’s important to point what many might not know: we’re a not-for-profit agency, and all of the money the bookstore makes goes directly back to the University for programming in the Union and within student services.”
For more information on the textbook rental pilot, contact the bookstore at (309) 298-1931 or visit bookstore.wiu.edu.
Copy By: Darcie Shinberger
