Additionally, the Bookstore carries a wide variety of school and office supplies, trade books, magazines, computer hardware and software, greeting cards, insignia clothing, and gifts. Beginning in 1994, bookstore operations have been provided under a contract with Follett College Stores. Revenues generated under this contract support administrative operations and the Student Center. The principal objective of the Bookstore is to ensure that all faculty required course materials are in stock and available before the opening of each academic session. Merchandise is to be of high quality, appropriate for the University marketplace, and attractively displayed.
Customer service is among the highest priorities.
Although the need is less compelling than in dining facilities, the contractor is expected to make appropriate capital improvements. Approximately one third of colleges and universities have privatized their bookstore operations and the trend is definitely escalating. The single most important reason for privatization is financial. High quality, efficient bookstores are expensive to operate and necessary inventories are not economical for colleges and universities. Bookstore providers enjoy long relationships with their clients.