PTC Campus Store now offers option to rent textbooks

The PTC Campus Store is offering a new, more inexpensive way to save on textbooks – by renting.

“Textbooks have always made up a large chunk of expenses students face every semester, and the cost of textbooks, which is already higher or more than what students expect, seem to go up in price nearly every semester,” says Janis Wegner, PTC Business Services Manager. “So, in an effort to lower textbook costs, we have decided to offer a textbook rental program,” Wegner explains.

One clear benefit of renting textbooks is the upfront savings – renting textbooks is cheaper, which translates into more savings for students. Another benefit is that renting guarantees students’ rented textbooks will be returned without question. With renting, students who wish to return their used textbooks at the end of the term have the guarantee the books will be accepted – in fact, returning them is required. With purchasing, students run the risk of not being able to sell the books back at the end of the semester, since often, instructors may decide to use different textbooks or new editions, eliminating the market that would have bought the returned course materials.

“This has got to be one of the best ways to save money during college,” says Sandi Oachs, Practical Nursing student. “I love the fact that I don't have to worry about selling the books back or selling them online once the class is over.”

The option to rent debuted this summer term, and while students have embraced the new program, Wegner cautions that students must be aware of the rules of the program.

“The rental program is really taking off, and students are embracing it, but I want to caution renters that not every course material is available for rent – for example, workbooks obviously are not rentable,” says Wegner. “Also, it’s not a payment plan – if the rented books are not returned on time, students will be charged the full price, on top of the rental.”

PHOTO at top: Practical Nursing student Sandi Oachs, an avid reader and textbook renter, discovers additional reading in the LRTC during the first week of summer term.