Colleges and universities adapting to the digitization of course materials are finding new functions for their campus bookstore, the once-ubiquitous center for students’ academic needs.
The rise of online learning management systems and inclusive access models are supplying students with materials faster and cheaper than ever before. It may also be boosting student outcomes. At Jackson College in Michigan, research from Green Shoots suggests that students using BibliU’s e-text course materials persisted at higher rates and scored higher-than-average GPAs than non-users between 2021-22 and 2022-23.
“While it makes sense as a good way to promote cost savings, it goes beyond that,” says Jackson College President Dan Phelan. “It’s about ensuring completion, supporting student success and helping them get to the finish line.”
While the role of the bookstore has shifted, it hasn’t lessened, says Lacey Wallace, research analyst at the National Association of College Stores. “From employing students, sponsoring events, developing branding and campus community to being a source for school supplies.”
Identifying cost-effective alternatives
Campus bookstores can work with faculty to reduce program costs for students. For example, the University of Houston recently unveiled its Cougar Textbook Access Program, which provides full-time students with all course materials at a $299 wholesale rate. While the program has increased the online stores’ market share by 62 percentage points, Houston is aiming to increase participation by offering the open educational resources (OER) division to further drive down the cost of its materials.
“Sometimes the people managing OER programs worry that having an access program is going to negatively impact their program,” said Deborah Huebler, executive director of auxiliary services, “but that is absolutely not the case.”
Developing partnerships
Third-party companies are securing more partnerships with campus bookstores to offer a wider range of course materials to students at a cheaper rate. Western Technical College in Wisconsin transitioned to an online bookstore two years ago now operated by eCampus. However, the university’s physical store still sells school merchandise.
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Paul Miller, director of auxiliary services at Santa Barbara City College, considers its bookstore’s partnership with Follett a “win-win scenario,” according to The Channels. With the textbook publisher responsible for sourcing and procuring textbooks, the bookstore can focus on providing school supplies and merchandise.
Furthermore, Temple University recently transitioned to Follett, and Southwestern University has chosen Barnes & Noble to handle course materials and merchandise.
Sticking to physical
Student preference for digital materials (37%) surpassed preference for print materials (31%) for the first time in the 2023-24 academic year, according to OnCampus research. However, 72% of faculty still purchase printed materials.
“While digital has become prominent, there are still students and faculty who prefer or need print,” Wallace says.
