Bookseller Barnes & Noble Inc. is launching a textbook rental program for college students, making it the newest entrant in a growing field, and officials at other book-rental services say the announcement will raise college students’ awareness of the burgeoning market.
The new program, available though campus bookstores or the stores’ web sites, began as a pilot program in three bookstores in the fall. It has now been expanded to 25 bookstores.
Some college bookstores that will offer the program include Ohio State University, the University of Maryland, Borough of Manhattan Community College, and the University of South Carolina.
Barnes & Noble said books will rent for 42.5 percent of their original price, so a $100 book would cost $42.50 to rent for the entire term. Textbooks can be rented at book stores or online—with online orders shipped to a campus bookstore.