By Olivia Krauth–
Follett Higher Education Group will replace Barnes & Noble as U of L’s bookstore partner beginning May 2016. The contract for Barnes & Noble was slated to end May 9.
“It will transform our campus bookstore experience,” Chief Financial Officer Harlan Sands said in a press release. “Students, faculty and staff can expect a brand new, state-of-the-art bookstore with expanded services and product lines.” The release said the agreement includes textbook scholarships and a rental program with discounts up to 80 percent for textbooks.
“Together, we’ll identify the right solutions to drive affordability, access and ultimately, student success,” Follett President Don Germano said in the release.
The partnership promises updates to bookstores, adding new paint, signs and floor layouts. While the partners may be changing, stores will still be available for student use throughout the summer. The book store in Belknap is planned to move to the east side of the SAC next year as part of U of L’s campus renovations.
Follett currently runs over 1,200 campus bookstores, including the ones at Bellarmine, Centre and Transylvania.
Earlier this month, U of L announced Aramark would replace Sodexo as U of L’s dining partner. The dining and bookstore partners will both be involved as SAC renovations begin. The release said part of Follett’s agreement includes an outdoor patio and landscaping for the renovated store, set to open spring 2017. The full SAC renovation is expected to be completed by fall 2018.
The bookstore will be closed May 14-18.
This story will be updated.
