Textbook Rentals Come to UH Bookstore
New Program Delivers Significant Savings for Students.

This fall, the University of Houston (UH) will become part of a select group of colleges/universities offering students a textbook rental program. This opportunity is made possible thanks to a partnership forged between UH 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 Esmeralda Valdez, Executive Director for Auxiliary Services. �We expect it will have a big impact on UH students not only because of the wonderful savings, but 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 whichever is more convenient for them. Rental fees, which provide a savings of more than 50% over purchasing a new book, can be paid using any form of tender currently accepted by the bookstore � including student financial aid and campus debit cards. (A valid credit card is required for security.) While not every textbook title is included in the rental program, 21% of all current textbook titles adopted are in the program and 56% of all university courses will have at least one textbook in the rental program.

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 the 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,� said bookstore manager Felix Robinson. �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 contact Felix Robinson.