The Bookstore has plans to launch a test this summer on a new book rental service.

Taking advantage of a partnership with Follett and Book Renter, the bookstore hopes to make what Jon Lorelli, director of bookstore services, calls the unusually “risky and time consuming” process more amicable for them and students alike.

Buyers will need a credit card for the service, but students economically strapped shouldn’t feel the rentals are out of bounds. Follett is orchestrating a financial aid package to be ready by fall semester.

Students may rent for 30 or 60 days or even the whole semester. No deposit will be required, but a student ID will. So, if a student does fail to return a book, they’ll incur the same penalty as an overdue library book, including getting blocked from future registration.

The move is in response to the performance of e-books, which has divided opinions among students and faculty.

“There’s a mixed reaction all across the country to e-books,” said Lorelli. They “just aren’t quite there yet.”

The e-book option fared less than well. To date, only 589 e-books were purchased by City College students this year, and several made complaints about their less than optimum performance.

Also, starting next semester, instructors must list in the catalog the cost of the books they require along with the course description and any prerequisites.The intent is to give students and parents advanced warning of textbook costs prior to enrollment.