Senior finance student Zach Harris searches rentable titles at the Spartan Bookstore. The bookstore currently has 60 percent of titles required by faculty members (Amanda Holst image).
By Amanda Holst, Public Affairs Assistant
In just two semesters, the new management team at Spartan Bookstore has saved SJSU students a total of $800,000 with its textbook rental program.
“It was just tapping the skill sets of the employees and getting everyone working toward a common goal,” said Spartan Bookstore Director Ryland Metzinger.
According to Metzinger, 60 percent of all of the titles that have been adopted by faculty are available for rent, but his goal is to increase that to 80 percent by next year.
Junior design studies major Olivia Lopez saved around $40 on her art history books this semester.
“Some books I do not plan to use much after I take the class; therefore I rent them,” Lopez said.
Bookstore Rental Program
Books on the shelves with green inserts are rentable and apply to both new and used books. Students save approximately 50 percent of the new retail price.
At the rental counter, students are required to provide basic contact information and a debit or credit card to use as collateral. In addition, students sign a rental agreement, requiring they return the book on a specific date and in good condition.
“The biggest problem we have with the condition of the books when they come back is spilled liquids,” Metzinger said.
Students that do not meet the terms of the agreement are required to pay a 75 percent replacement fee and a 7.5 percent restocking fee. In addition, students that do not bring books back at the end of the semester pay a penalty.
On The Horizon
According to Metzinger, the bookstore will continue to think outside of the box with promotions and hopes to save students over a million dollars this time next year.
“We want to help the students with as many options as possible with their education and course material,” Metzinger said. “It’s a very competitive market out there and we have to be on the front lines of offering students valued alternatives.”