Of the changes, prices and selection affect the student body the most. Many of the students have found that Barnes and Noble provides a much larger selection for significantly lower prices. Despite this seemingly positive feedback, many opponents of the chain store believe that although Barnes and Noble offers lowers prices, the massive corporation is hurting the local family businesses. At Harvard, Barnes and Noble took control of the famous Harvard Coop. The reaction to the bookstore appears to be mostly positive.
Students are satisfied with the change, while the surrounding community has remained unaffected.
Despite the advantages of lower prices and larger selection, Thayer Street does not need a corporate bookstore, according to Larry Carr, Director of the Brown Bookstore. Based on surveyed reactions from students, faculty and staff, the Bookstore has decided not to outsource because of overall satisfaction with the store under current management. This survey, in addition to an independent assessment, concluded that at this point in time, the long term disadvantages would outweigh the short term advantages. Inc. You may not reproduce this material in any form without the permission of The Brown Daily Herald. Contact The Herald if you have any comments or suggestions.