Corporate Convenience

During the first few weeks of each semester, students clamor to buy books and supplies for their courses. They can choose to buy textbooks from a variety of sources, whether online, from Book Culture, or from the campus bookstore run by Barnes & Noble College Booksellers. While most professors make their textbooks available on campus, some send their students to other local bookstores. Such professors should not force their students to shop at off-campus bookstores, particularly in light of BNC's services and support for the University.

BNC was brought to campus in 1977 as one of the company's first on-campus locations. Today, contracts with the bookseller and with Citibank pay to keep Lerner Hall up and running. But even before the days of Lerner, BNC has sold books as well as dorm essentials. Since then, the bookstore has consistently shown a willingness to work with students and administrators to keep its business running smoothly. The University has worked with BNC to limit the store's markup on textbooks, to coordinate fall and spring book rushes, to make Flex valid tender, and to offer an online book-purchase program through Student Services Online. The bookstore even extended its return policy on textbooks to a full 30 class days with proof of a schedule change after students came forward with the suggestion. In contrast, other textbook vendors like Book Culture do not accept Flex and do not allow textbook returns after the first 11 days of classes.

Even if professors want to support smaller community stores, they should be sure to make their course materials available at the campus bookstore as well. Regardless of ideological opinions about chain corporations, the financial solvency of the campus bookstore directly impacts the bottom line for our student center. BNC has also been responsive to feedback, worked with students and administrators, and made book purchases and returns flexible and convenient. Though smaller stores should not be punished for their size—a characteristic that many book lovers seek out—professors should at least allow students to take advantage of BNC's perks.

There is something to be said for supporting the local bookstore, but teachers should allow students to decide which store best suits their needs. Given BNC's attentiveness to student and administrative feedback and its flexibility in purchases and returns, professors should at least let their students choose where to shop.