Barnes & Noble to Take Over Bookstore

Transition happens in October

Photo by Christa McConnell, IMC student photographer

by Jenna Neil

Andrews University administration has announced their decision to change management of the University bookstore from Tree of Life to Barnes and Noble. The full transition will take place the week of October 3–10, 2014. The store will open as a Barnes & Noble store on Monday, October 13.

“The process of deciding who to bring in as a new bookstore manager began with a recommendation from the faculty that it was time for a change,” says Larry Schalk, vice president for Financial Administration.

As a result, a committee was formed and began meeting last spring. The committee was made up of three faculty members, one academic dean, the provost, the chief financial officer, two support staff from IT and the bookstore, and two students. Together they discussed various options, settling on four finalists. Barnes & Noble was ultimately chosen because they are one of the biggest vendors who provide this type of service.

Bookstore inventory will stay very much the same, from textbooks and general reading books to food, apparel and office supplies.

“One of the main things we can be assured of is quality service for students and faculty alike,” says Schalk.

The bookstore will be closed October 3–10 for the transition. No business will be possible during this time, including textbook purchases.