Textbook rentals come to campus bookstore

This year, Ohio Northern University 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 Ohio Northern University 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 Josh Szippl, bookstore manager. “We expect it will have a big impact on ONU 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 www.onu.bncollege.com – whichever is more convenient for them. Rental fees can be paid for using any form of tender (excluding Paypal) currently accepted by the bookstore, including student financial aid and Polar Points.  (A valid credit card is required for security.)  While not every textbook title is included in the rental program, more than 200 titles are available for rent.

The rental terms and conditions were designed to give students maximum convenience and flexibility.  For example, moderate highlighting and note-taking are permitted and students have until the last day of finals to return their rented textbooks. Books can be returned to the bookstore in person or through the mail. 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.

Last fall, Barnes & Noble’s textbook rental program was offered at more than 300 schools. More than 90 percent of the students at these campuses stated they liked the program and 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 Josh Szippl. “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.onu.bncollege.com.