Having a bookstore on campus bookstore is far more than a convenient option for textbook purchasing. There are other important points to keep in mind.
The bookstore is also exploring a rental option for Fall 2010, and will have more digital options available than ever before. (More information about textbook affordability)
- Barnes & Noble at UNC Charlotte is the ONLY store that has a contract with the University. The contract requires the bookstore to provide enough copies for every student in every class. The contract also stipulates:
- The margin on new textbooks will be no higher than 18% — the lowest margin in the country (Margins are the percentage bookstores add to publishers’ wholesale prices to cover salaries, shipping, etc.)
- There will be a certain percentage of used books available at a 25% discount
- That students will be refunded 50% of the original price at buy-back, if the store hears in time from the instructor that the book will be used in class again the following semester (and until enrollment levels have been reached)
- A Guaranteed Buy-Back program that offers 55% back on certain titles, even after the book has gone into a new edition
- Price match to local competitors
- Best value for buy-back guarantee vs. local competitors
- Nearly every university requires and expects the convenience of an on-campus bookstore, not just for textbooks, but for: trade books and bestsellers, school supplies, school-spirit-building apparel, gear/logoed merchandise, gifts, cards, convenience items and sundries. Many may not realize what a large financial commitment this requires from our contracted partners and what the Student Union and UNC Charlotte as a whole, would be missing without an on-campus bookstore.
- No other store supports UNC Charlotte more. Students may not realize that patronizing the campus bookstore helps support other students and a lot of the events and activities students hold dear. In fact, proceeds from the bookstore:
- fund scholarships
- help build and maintain new facilities like the Student Union
- support programs like SOAR, Homecoming, Athletics and more
- provide on-campus employment to over 100 students a year
- The campus bookstore is a vital part of the UNC Charlotte community. Now that the bookstore has such nice, large space in the Student Union, campus support can be expressed in other ways, too. Like:
- the new OnTopic lecture series which provides an opportunity to hear respected scholars share from their field of expertise in a relaxed, informal setting.
- Niner Book Club, oriented to popular books/pleasure reading, showcasing N.C. writers.
- The bookstore has also hosted Saturday children’s story and craft events and author signings. Look for more events like this to come.
Some may ask, “Why did Barnes & Noble get the contract with UNC Charlotte?” Any time Business/Auxiliary Services seeks a contract for goods and services, it’s done through an open bid process. Vendors are chosen by who can supply what’s specified for the lowest price. The process is VERY competitive. Barnes & Noble was willing to provide campus with the best value.
Business and Auxiliary Services has a bookstore contract manager, Karen Natale. She represents the University’s interest with Barnes & Noble (she oversees Licensing and Trademarks as well). In other words, UNC Charlotte has someone whose job it is to advocate for what students, faculty and staff need from the bookstore and serves as liaison between faculty, campus bookstore and state agencies. One of Karen’s most crucial areas of focus is textbook affordability. If you have ideas, questions, concerns about textbooks or other bookstore-related issues, please contact her at knatale@uncc.edu or 704‑687‑7683.