University of Hawai'i Bookstore launches textbook rental program

Up to 60% savings on books helps with cost of college

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Phyllis S K Look, (808) 956-9291
Marketing and Communications Manager, Auxiliary Enterprises
Tricia Ejima, (808) 956-0899
UH Bookstore Branch Stores Manager, Auxiliary Enterprises
Posted: Aug 5, 2011

Renting textbook off the shelf at UH Bookstore can save students 60% off purchase price.
Renting textbook off the shelf at UH Bookstore can save students 60% off purchase price.

The University of Hawai‘i Bookstore System introduces its new IN-STORE TEXTBOOK RENTAL PROGRAM with rental books available at all eight Bookstore locations across the state starting August 8, 2011. After several years of preparation and a successful pilot program launched last fall, the UH Bookstore has expanded its program to include over 300 titles with an inventory of over 14,000 books available for rent. A rented textbook costs between 40 - 50% of the regular price, promising potentially thousands of dollars in savings over the course of a student’s college career.

The rental process is simple. Students must first register to rent, either online at www.uhbooks.hawaii.edu/rentals or in-store at the rental registration kiosks. Books that are available for rent are listed on the Bookstore’s website (www.bookstore.hawaii.edu) under the page for each location. Students then pick up their books directly from the shelves at the store on their campus and take them to the register along with a validated student ID. Rentals are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

In addition to the in-store rental program, the Bookstore has partnered with a third-party provider to host an online rental store that has access to more than five million titles. Books are shipped directly to students (for an added shipping cost). Students can find out more about this online rental option by visiting www.bookstore.hawaii.edu.

Tricia Ejima, UH Bookstore Branch Stores Manager, relates that “Many students are surprised to learn that they can even write in or highlight text in their rentals, just as they would with a book purchased at full price.” She adds, “The Bookstore is committed to offering our students cost-saving options to the rising expense of education and renting textbooks is one of the best ways to enjoy some upfront savings.”

The University of Hawaiʻi Bookstore’s mission is to promote a productive learning environment for the UH community by offering a diverse array of quality products and services at competitive prices. The main branch of the Bookstore system is located on the University ofHawaiʻi’s Mānoa campus, in the heart of the Campus Center. In addition, there are seven branchstores (UH-Hilo, UH-Maui College, Leeward Community College, Kapi‘olani Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kaua‘i Community College, and Windward Community College), a Medical Bookstore, an Outreach Program, and two Rainbowtique merchandise stores.

The Mānoa Bookstore, currently undergoing renovation as part of the Campus Center expansion project, has added hours from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Statehood Holiday weekend, August 19 and 20. Shoppers are also advised to take advantage of off-peak times to avoid long lines during the traditional “Back-to-School Rush.” Extended hours between August 22 – 24 are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For branch store locations and hours, refer to www.bookstore.hawaii.edu.

For more information, visit: http://www.bookstore.hawaii.edu