Rentals and E-Books

"How can I save money on my books and supplies?"

Don't you ask yourself that question when you see how expensive college books, supplies, and tools are? We realize how financially challenging it can be for you to properly equip yourself for classes. To help you make the best informed decision, we want to let you know our position on two "hot topics" that are popular in discussion about the high cost of textbooks: electronic books (EBooks) and textbook rental programs.

Simply stated, we do not believe that EBooks and textbook rentals provide the best value for most Penn College students. Why do we say that? Read on:

E-Books

Many publishers have established full versions of textbooks in electronic formats, often called EBooks. EBooks can be viewed from secure websites and many can be downloaded one-time to a user's personal computer or electronic reader. EBooks are typically priced at 35 to 50% of the new printed version. Beyond price, it is important to consider other factors involving EBooks, such as:

• The ease of portability. A single laptop computer can potentially hold all of your textbooks.
• EBooks have no buyback value and cannot be resold to another student.
• EBooks have a limited time of use, generally from 120 to 180 days. After that time, you lose access to the book. If you are using a particular book for several semesters, you will need to repurchase it.
• To use EBooks in class, you must be permitted to use your computer and e-reader in class.
• A credit card is needed to purchase e-books from online sources.

Textbook Rentals

While textbook rentals have existed for decades, many companies, and some colleges, have recently popularized this initiative. Textbook rental programs offer immediate upfront savings over the traditional purchased textbook. Generally, you can rent a textbook at a cost of 40 to 50% of a new textbook's selling price. Renting allows you to save money up front, and still have the physical textbook in your possession temporarily. Some concerns to note:

• There is no buyback at the end of the semester and no opportunity to sell the book to another student.
• The textbook must be turned back to the renting company by the stated deadline in order to avoid late fees and other charges. Many Penn College students use their program textbooks in their employment after graduation.
• If you need the book for a second semester, you have to rent it a second time. Rental periods are usually 150 days, with some companies renting for 180 days for an extra charge.
• Books must be kept in as-rented condition to avoid any extra charges.
• A credit card is required to rent a textbook. Some companies charge a deposit fee that is only returned when the book is returned on time.

"So, how can I save money?""

The answer is "buy used and save."

We believe that a well established used textbook program offers you the most savings on your textbook purchases. The Store's textbook department focuses on providing as many used textbook as possible. Traditionally, savings on most textbooks are realized through the purchase of used copies and then selling those books back at the end of the semester. You can reduce the cost of course materials substantially by buying used textbooks. Used textbooks are priced at 75% of the retail price of a new book.

When buying used books at The College Store, you experience no lengthy shipping waits or unexpected handling charges. You can be confident you are getting the correct edition and ancillary course materials, while being protected by the Store's clearly defined return policy if you need to drop or change a class. An added benefit is that, at the end of the semester, you can recoup some extra cash by selling used books back to the Store – many times for as much as 50% of the purchase price.

Your options

Today's higher education textbook market offers many options for students to consider. You may realize some savings upfront at the time of purchase by purchasing electronic textbooks or by renting textbooks. If you believe those options are the most beneficial to you, we encourage you to proceed accordingly. We only ask that you carefully consider all of your options and make your best informed decision.