Everything else seems to be rentable, so why not make textbooks on college campuses rentable as well?

Dr. Linda Lacy, President of Cerritos College is working with Follett, which has a new textbook rental program.

The goal is to have the rental program in full effect by fall 2010.

Lacy, prior to Cerritos College, served 23 years at the Riverside Community College District and before she left there she had a book rental program in effect with a very solid commitment and outcome.

Although the program was through Barnes & Noble, the students were able to save.

Lacy stated, “The students were saving thousands of dollars. I received many e-mails in regard to the positivity of book renting.”

As stated in the Follett Textbook Rental Program information guideline, “Follett has applied over 135 years of industry knowledge to add value to our rental pilot and our student customers.”

Follett launched its pilot in last Fall and the results were very positive.

They chose seven pilot bookstores and the students saved nearly $2 million on their course materials.

Follett also reported not only did it save money, but it gave the students a different perception of the campus bookstores.

Unlike other rental programs, with Follett, students will have the option of returning to the store and converting their rental into a student sale during the period prior to midterm exams (approximately eight weeks from class start date).

The Follett Textbook Rental Program ensures the demand for cost savings programs.

Beatrice Gonzalez, undecided major, said, “I think it would be a great idea. You won’t be spending that much money. You can take your notes and be done with the books.”

Armando Garcia, philosophy major, said, “It’s about time. Books are very pricey. We sell them back and get almost nothing back in return. Renting books is excellent because it cuts out the middle man.”

Lacy also stated, “We are very excited to be working on this for the fall implementation.”