CMU could start offering rental textbooks

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Textbook rentals could be a new option for Central Michigan University.

Barry Waters, director of the CMU Bookstore, said they are considering a program with Nebraska Book Company which will begin on July 15.

“Despite the fact we have had no push from anyone on our campus to begin a rental program, we are considering offering selected titles as rentals for fall,” Waters said in an e-mailed statement.

Waters said the main reason the bookstore is considering offering the books is to give students alternatives.

He said there will be a list supported by the rental programs but he is not sure what books will be offered yet.

“Rental is the hot topic around the country but those schools doing rental are only doing a very small percentage of their titles as rental,” Waters said.

He said the cost savings for students won’t be known until the books offered are decided. Waters said used books still offer the better savings.

“Used textbooks are still the best value and when sold back at the end of the term translate to a greater savings than rental,” Waters said.

Waters said he does not foresee any savings for CMU with the contract.

“No money savings, the only real cost to us will be time in learning the process with our wholesaler,” Waters said.

Nanette Trottier, a Mikado senior said the idea is interesting but for her it depends on the importance of the book.

“Some people might want to keep their books,” Trottier said.

Cyprien Nanah, a Cameroon graduate student, said he can see it as a good idea but will not take advantage of it.

“In the future I may need to go to those books again,” he said. “I’d rather buy books.”