Follett replaces Sundance as college textbook vendor
Christi Salisbury-Ruf
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: News
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Mark Scott, executive director of Campus Auxiliary Services, explained that as Sundance's contract was up this spring, a committee was organized to consider bids from other companies. Ultimately, their goal is a renovation of the store to include an on-campus textbook outlet.
The outreach was prompted by "concerns around service to date with regard to textbooks," said Scott. These concerns include long lines and the availability of a wider selection of used textbooks. "We made this decision with the students in mind," Scott added.
Due to the terms of the request for proposal drawn up by the CAS Board of Directors earlier this spring, Sundance chose not to place a bid for the space.
Scott noted that Sundance has always been "friendly and approachable," but did not have the sufficient infrastructure to meet student demands. "It was a tough decision that needed to be made," he said.
The committee, chosen by the CAS Board of Directors and Scott, included senior SA President Danielle Forrest, Vice President for Administration & Finance Kenneth Levison, Vice President for Administration and Finance, CAS Purchasing Manager Tom D'Angelo, and Director of College Union and Activities Chip Matthews, among others.
The objective, said Forrest, was to "provide the best possible service and prices to the students." There were several competitors that placed bids, including Barnes and Noble, Follett and eCampus. Scott noted that only Follett showed real interest.
According to the company Web site, Follett is the nation's largest operator of college bookstores, with more than 760 locations. Established 130 years ago, it provides resources not only to higher educational institutions across the country but to K-12 libraries in terms of books and software materials.
"Follett has a very comprehensive online ordering tool that will allow students to see the prices of the books they are purchasing, compare the new and used book prices, pay by credit card online and select from a number of delivery options," said Forrest.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 7
Why does the college need an official vendor?
posted 4/30/09 @ 2:07 PM EST
I don't understand why the college has an official textbook vendor. Can anyone explain?
Nick Haanschoten
posted 4/30/09 @ 4:06 PM EST
I think the idea of an official textbook vendor, is a service for the students, but more importantly a way for the school to make more money. (Continued…)
Amanda
posted 4/30/09 @ 8:06 PM EST
I think what students miss in the whole Sundance price issue is that textbooks are expensive. Period. It's ridiculous how much we have to spend on books, but that happens no matter what. (Continued…)
Mari
posted 4/30/09 @ 8:29 PM EST
if you think sundance is offering what amazon is offering, you clearly need to recheck those prices. there were tons of books I bought at sundance, and after looking them up, realized I could have gotten them for muuuch much less even taking shipping into account. (Continued…)
Sam
posted 5/01/09 @ 3:23 PM EST
What I don't like about Sundance is that we can't pick out our own used books. They give me the crappiest, marked up used book and then pay me nothing when they buy it back. (Continued…)
Albany Moving Companies
posted 8/18/09 @ 11:31 AM EST
I have always preferred to buy my books online if possible. It is usually less expensive than buying them at the store. And then I sell them back online too, so I get most of my money back. (Continued…)
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