Today I was somewhat surprised when a NY City metro area university that I shall not identify here announced that their campus' bookstores, which are operated by a private entity, are going to start offering textbook rental services starting this Fall. Presumaby, the rentals will result in "upwards of 50 percent off new textbook prices". In addition -and I thought this was interesting- the program allows students to highlight the textbooks and take notes throughout the text. And just like a leased car, the student can also buy the textbook at the end of the term.
I said that I was somewhat surprised because although I am one of those who feels that textbooks have become overpriced, and because I recognize that some students who buy their textbooks (a few others seem not to even bother purchasing them) end up getting rid of their books at the first opportunity, I feel this rental program undermines the real purpose of a college education. At the same time I think that textbook renting perpetuates a business/consumer approach to learning. This sort of thing just does not feel right to me. Out mere curiosity, do any of you know of institutions which have a similar textbook rental program? Miguel --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=3733 or send a blank email to leave-3733-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
