Q:  What is the current textbook rental fee?

The textbook rental fee, beginning Fall 2008, is $9.95 per credit hour and is included with all other university fees. This is a minimal fee compared to other institutions that require students to purchase textbooks. Renting textbooks saves EIU students hundreds of dollars each semester.

Q:  What should I bring when I come to get my books?

While a form of identification is not required to get your books, having an Eastern Illinois University issued Panther Card and current class schedule makes the process of picking them up quicker.

Q:  As rental property, how do I care for my textbooks?

BE SURE TO PROTECT YOUR TEXTBOOKS AT ALL TIMES. Carry textbooks in a waterproof book bag or backpack, keep them away from food and drink and all other potentially damaging situations, including all weather-related conditions. In addition, students may also be required to pay current list prices for textbooks in which they have done extensive writing or highlighting, which have been subjected to unusual wear, or which have any visible signs of water damage.

Q:  What should I do if I notice a book checked out to me was damaged when received?

You should immediately call or bring the book back to the Textbook Rental Service as soon as you notice the damage. Please contact our office at 217-581-3626 or 217-581-7484 to report any textbook damage. Waiting to report damage until later in the semester may result in charges.

Q:  Is it possible to purchase a textbook?

Each semester there is a designated sales period during which time you can buy textbooks that are currently issued to you. Textbooks are depreciated, with use, and these savings are passed along to our students. By purchasing, during the sales periods, students can receive the lowest prices and this allows ample time for the ordering of replacements. This is truly the best of both worlds. Rent your textbooks, evaluate their benefit, purchase those that will be a part of your permanent library and return all others by the designated deadline. Please refer to the website for specific semester sale dates at www.eiu.edu/~textbks/.

Q: How can I pay for books?

Q:  How do I verify which textbooks are checked out to me?

This information can be accessed through PAWS by choosing the Textbook Rental heading under the Student and Financial Aid tab. In addition, students can use this same information to determine and identify textbooks for each class.

Q:  What should I do with textbooks for a class I have dropped?

Please return your textbooks within two business days of dropping the class to avoid charges that can include the current list price of each book, a late fine per book and a non-refundable drop processing fee.

Q:  What should I do with textbooks if I withdraw from the University?

Please return all your textbooks immediately to avoid being charged for textbooks and late fines.

Q:  What is the Textbook Rental Service return policy?

Textbooks can be returned at any time during the semester/term, prior to the deadline, with no penalty, with the exception of those associated with dropped courses. Late fines per book, will be posted to individual student accounts immediately following the established semester/term return deadline. Late textbooks will only be accepted for the following five days. After the five day grace period, no textbooks will be accepted and all late textbook charges will be posted to the associated student account, in addition to the previously posted late fine charges. There will be no refunds. Please visit our website at www.eiu.edu/~textbks/ for specific semester/term deadlines and important information.