By Kyeland Jackson —

Updated 5/18/2016

The bookstore will be closed May 13-16.

Announced in a blasted email today, Chief Financial Officer Harlan Sands said Follett will bring more supplies, technology and gifts to the bookstore.

Follett was announced as U of L’s new bookstore partner on April 20, replacing Barnes & Nobles. Aramark, a new dining partner, was also announced as Sodexo’s replacement April 9.

The moves come as part of the 21st Century Initiative, promising large scale changes to campus structures and academics. Current Sodexo employees will be transferred to the new food provider while managers will be interviewed and offered the positions.

“All of the hourly employees will be hired, pending a background check,” Sands said. “That was part of our deal.”

As of May 14, 82 percent of Sodexo employees and three managers, were hired for Aramark.

Surveyed about dining options, students reportedly put variety and value for cost as the most important factors to campus eating. Campus dining and bookstore changes are projected to be done by 2018 and spring 2017 respectively.