Q Will I really save money by renting instead of purchasing a textbook at Colorado State?

A You can save up to 60% off the new book price. Keep in mind that many purchased (i.e. non-rental) titles – including used books sold at 25% off the new book price – may be sold back at the end of the semester for up to 50% of the new book price, so the savings depends on the individual title. (For an explanation of the pros and cons of both buying and renting textbooks, see http://bookstore.colostate/buy-textbooks-or-rent-them.aspx)

Q What happens if I don’t return a rented book on time, or if it’s lost or stolen?

A You are responsible for returning the book by the deadline specified in your agreement. If the book is lost, stolen or not returned on time, there is a charge in addition to the original rental fee, equal to 75% of the new book price, plus a 7.5% processing fee.

Q When are books due back?

A The rental period is for the duration of a semester. Books are due back no later than the Friday of  finals. Rental books must be returned to the Bookstore.

Q What if I rent a title, then later decide to purchase it?

A You may convert your rental to a purchase but only during the first two weeks of classes.

Q What if I drop the class I’ve rented the book for?

A The return policy for drop/add is the same as for a purchased book: we ask that all unneeded books be returned as early as possible, with the last day to return being the second Friday of class.

Q May I highlight a rented textbook?

A Yes, you may highlight or mark in a rented book in the same way as if you’d purchased the book with plans of selling it back to the bookstore at the end of the semester. In other words, reasonable highlights and marking are acceptable as long as the book remains in salable condition.

Q What are the payment options for book rental?

A Cash, check, credit card, debit card, student accounts or CSU Bookstore gift certificates.

Q How are titles selected to become part of Colorado State’s rental program?

A Rental title selection is based on several criteria:

• Rentals must be used continuously for multiple semesters.  We have worked with several CSU instructors to identify books that can be used in our rental program (more books to come in the future).  Remember to thank your instructor for helping us to make this happen.
• Books in the program must be stand-alone (i.e., not packaged with software, access codes, or other items).
• “Consumable” books (containing loose or perforated pages) are not eligible for the program.

Q Why is the CSU Bookstore offering textbook rentals?

A Because students asked for it and because CSU and the CSU Bookstore are committed to providing as many money saving options as possible for CSU students