Bookstore Advisory Committee
Friday, February 18, 2005
Belknap Bookstore
1:00pm - 2:00pm
MINUTES
In attendance: Sonny Altman, Michael Johmann, Debby Kalbfleisch, Elenita Kelley, Justin Morehead, Scott Schuknecht, Dave Shaw, Jack Shelman, Dave Stephens, Elisa Stephens.
Sonny welcomed those attending the meeting. He asked that everyone introduce themselves.
Introductions of new Bookstore Director Scott Schuknecht - Scott moved from Albuquerque, New Mexico where he managed Gateway computer retail stores. He has worked for Barnes & Noble for 2 months and moved here because his wife got a job as Payroll Manager with YUM. After moving to Louisville, he met Joel Kriner and is very happy to be working with Barnes & Noble.
Book Orders - Scott said they have sent out book order requests for the summer and fall semesters. Debby stated that she sent out information regarding the book ordering process to the staff senate distribution list, but has received no feedback as of yet. She commented that she knows of professors that don’t always know what they’ll be teaching until a couple of days before the semester starts. Therefore, this could be a reason for the delay in receiving some orders. Scott stated that most faculty get their book orders turned in early, but there are those that do not, therefore, we need to get the word out that early book orders mean more used books for the students. About 94% of the books were on the shelves and ready to be bought before school started. As a committee, one of our main goals should be to inform faculty that they need to get their book orders in as soon as possible. We need to help everyone understand that it does make a difference to the students on campus. We need to let everyone know that orders placed with the University bookstore go to the other 2 competing bookstores, which is not true if the orders are given to the other stores.
Buyback involves both retail and wholesale pricing. A student will only receive the wholesale price if a book order has not been turned in for their book. However, if a book order has been received, then the student will receive ½ of the retail price for the book. Once all the needed books are bought back, then students are given the wholesale buyback price, which is less. Scott said it might be helpful to have a PowerPoint presentation of wholesale versus retail and share the presentation after speaking to the faculty about book orders at group functions. A question was asked what the difference is between retail and wholesale orders. It was explained that retail is when they have already received the book orders from the faculty and they know they will be used for the semester. Wholesale is where the books are bought from students at a national wholesale rate instead of ½ the retail price. Sonny asked that he or Scott be contacted if the committee members have any suggestions on ways to improve getting orders early from faculty.
In the past, the bookstore has given incentives to department contacts that were in charge of obtaining the faculty book orders and turning them into the bookstore prior to the deadline. These incentives have included free lunch, gift certificates, etc.
On March 29th there will be a Unit Business Managers meeting. Scott will attend and will ask them to assist us in getting the adoptions. A suggestion was made to advertise on UofL Today. It was explained that UofL Today limits the number of times you submit an item and also limits the number of words you can use. Debby suggested sending an email to the faculty senate as a reminder. Sonny has been told that mass mailing lists cannot be used for this type of communication. The students are a good resource because they understand the financial difficulty of not being able to buy used books.
Price Plus Matching Program - This program started last term. Scott said it’s a direct result of the perception that the bookstore is not competitive price-wise. The way the program works is: if a student finds a book at one of the two off-campus stores priced for less money than the University bookstore price, the University bookstore will pay the difference plus $1.00.
Online Book Ordering - Sonny said by fall 2005, the University bookstore will have online book ordering. Students will be able to go to the site to see what books are available, see what the price is, and choose to have it shipped or picked up at the bookstore. The site will offer information to the students such as if the book is required, suggested, or recommended for the class. Both new and used books will be processed within 24 hours. Students will have the option to check if they prefer used books. Used books will be given, if checked until they are gone. 100% refund is given to return orders within the return policy period. Confirmation email will be generated after an order has been placed and you will be able to check your order status online.
Sonny mentioned they are exploring the idea of online ordering to be tied in with the registration process. After registering for classes you will be able to click on an option to buy books for registered classes. However, this will not be available in the fall. They will continue looking at different possibilities to make improvements in this process.
No reports or comments were shared. Sonny thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Friday, October 21, 2005 at 12:00PM.