August 6, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Book rentals that could save students more than 50 percent off the cost of purchasing a new printed textbook are now available for some titles through the Barnes & Noble at UAB Bookstore.

The UAB Bookstore was the state's first university bookstore managed by Barnes & Noble College Booksellers to announce a rental program for students.

Rentals will be available both in the bookstore and online at www.uab.bncollege.com. Students just need to look for the "Rent Me" logo.

Rentals will not be available for every UAB class because some courses require one-time-use or other custom textbooks, but approximately 28 percent of titles are expected to be available though the rental program.

Students will be able to pay for the rentals using any form of payment accepted by the UAB Bookstore, excluding Paypal. The program is expected to save UAB students an estimated total of $200,000 annually.

Students will make their rentals at the start of each semester and keep them for the duration of the semester; during that time they can mark or highlight the books as they would a purchased one. Rented textbooks are due back to the bookstore within 10 days after the last day of finals.

The UAB store's manager, George Bennett, says the rental program offers savings and convenience.

"Students are saving money on selected titles," Bennett says. "And they can save time by renting online, because their rentals will be ready for pickup at our checkout counter, allowing them to bypass potentially long lines."

Barnes and Noble has tested the rental program at 25 nationwide university bookstores to positive feedback from students, and UAB is one of a number of bookstores newly offering the program this fall.

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