Written by Patrick Glastonbury
The Colorado College Bookstore is transitioning from its current management company, Follet, to Barnes and Noble, a company more commonly known for its retail bookstores and NOOK e-readers.
While most students may not notice the effects of the transition, the move nevertheless has consequences for the broader campus community.
The move was announced on Thursday, April 28, in a message sent out to the campus community by CC Communications. The message noted that the “transfer of management will take place between Commencement and the start of Summer Session,” so that students enrolled in courses this summer will be the first to see the effects of the management change.
The communication also noted that “new store management has invited bookstore employees to apply for their current positions or new positions at the store.” When asked how they felt about this stipulation, bookstore employees said that they are forbidden from commenting on the change in management. Barnes and Noble also has yet to respond to a request for comment.
Though bookstore employees may not be allowed to comment, students and professors certainly have thoughts on the situation. Susan Ashley, Professor of History, reflected on the role played by the bookstore over the years. Ashley stated that years ago the bookstore used to be administered directly by the school and that operation was much smoother back then.
Professor Ashley also said that coordination between professors and the bookstore since then has been periodically turbulent. “Usually [book orders] came through, but a few times books arrived late or not at all,” she said. In terms of the present change, she said, “some change is welcome; time will tell whether Barnes and Noble manages the bookstore more efficiently.”
In regard to the fact that current employees will need to reapply for their positions, Professor Ashley hopes that it is only a formality. The reapplication process has been the point of greatest concern for most who have reflected on the situation, and some students have concerns about the welfare of employees as well.
Dan Oldendorf, a junior Math-Econ major, is one student who has expressed frustration over this aspect of the process. “It’s just wrong,” he said about the reapplication process. While he understands that a reapplication process can facilitate the transition logistically, he nevertheless worries about the burden it puts on the employees.
“The people in the bookstore are always helpful, so I hope they’re able to keep their jobs,” said Oldendorf. Though Amazon and other online competitors have emerged in recent years, many still feel that an on-campus bookstore is a necessary component of higher education.
Under the management of Barnes and Noble, the new bookstore promises “An expanded selection of CC apparel, snacks, and laptops and other technology products, as well as gifts,” in addition to the other staples the bookstore has always provided.