News | Textbooks

Textbook rental programs on the increase at many campuses

by admin on 2/9/2012 • Category: Textbooks

Although digital textbooks and open course materials are making textbooks more affordable than ever, some universities continue to try and make print publications accessible. Despite the obvious benefits of digital textbooks, some experts say that the initial outlay of hardware required to read digital course materials remains a barrier for some students. As such, textbook rental programs continue to become more popular at college campuses across the country.

"The number of college stores offering textbook rental over the past two years has skyrocketed from about 300 in the fall of 2009 to 2,200 in fall of 2010, to 2,560 in fall of 2011," Charles Schmidt, director of public relations for the National Association of College Stores, said in a statement. "Such print version rental programs can save a student between 45 [and] 66 [percent] off the price of a new print textbook, and is often less expensive than digital formats."

Rental programs are one way for universities to manage inventory and maximize return on investment while offering students value for money. According to an article in Publisher's Week, Kelly Gallagher, vice president of publishing services for R.R. Bowker, said that rental programs accounted for 11 percent of the total number of textbook sales in 2011. Approximately 6 percent of that figure accounts for used textbook rentals, a market that Gallagher expects to grow as both students and universities seek to further reduce costs.

Although digital textbooks continue to gain in popularity at many colleges, rental programs remain a viable option for frugal students and cost-conscious bookstores. According to The Daily Northwestern, the student publication of Northwestern University in Illinois, textbook rental programs are partially responsible for the decline in digital textbook sales.

Jerry Jacobson, manager of the bookstore at the university, said that while Northwestern sold more digital textbooks than any other college in the region last year, rental programs have had a significant impact on the sales of digital course materials. Approximately two-thirds of Northwestern's entire bookstore inventory is available through rental programs.

Bob Thiel, manager of used bookstore NJ Books in New Jersey, told The Daily Targum, the student newspaper of Rutgers University, that he predicts the rental marketplace will continue to grow throughout 2012.

"Renting books is a safer way to go, definitely less of a gamble," said Thiel, as quoted by the news source. "Obviously, purchasing a book can yield a better return, but there’s also a chance its value will decrease."

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