Date: April 3, 2012
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Students Save with Textbook Rental Option

WESTVILLE – Purdue University North Central Campus Shop will offer 54 percent of its textbooks to students as a rental option this summer, which will save students approximately 50 percent off the new book price.

With 76 of the 165 titles on hand as rent eligible, t his is the biggest percentage of books the campus shop has offered for rent for a semester, said Susan Pearson, manager.

The Follett Higher Education Group has offered students a Rent-a-Text textbook rental program since the 2010 fall semester. Renting textbooks for the semester saves students an average of at least 50 percent off the cost of purchasing new books and has the potential to help make education more affordable for students

For the 2011 - 2012 academic year, the Campus Shop rented out more than 4,700 books to students, saving them $257,788 compared to purchasing new textbooks. In addition, the bookstore offers rental of digital text books with similar savings. Many used textbooks are also available as a savings option as well.

“Our goal is to offer the most options for students to choose from when selecting on their course materials,” Pearson explained.

Currently, the shop offers students the options of purchasing new text books, used text books, rental of new or used text books or the purchase or rental of digital textbooks.

“As the Bookstore Manager, I have a unique perspective since I also have my daughter attending PNC,” noted Pearson. “I know how important textbook affordability is to students and parents alike. Our textbook rental program makes books affordable, helps with sustainability of our environment, and offers students more choices than ever before.”

At the end of a semester, students have the opportunity to purchase their rented book if they decide they would like to keep it. Students have the freedom to highlight the books and take notes as they would with books they own.