Marquette University has selected Barnes & Noble College to manage its campus bookstore operations, effective July 22, the grand opening date for the on-campus store. A subsidiary of Barnes & Noble Education that operates more than 770 campus stores nationwide, Barnes & Noble College replaces Follett, whose contract expired at the end of the 2019 fiscal year.
The move follows a thorough RFP process and a multi-stakeholder, cross-campus review to identify a mission-aligned educational materials partner focused on student success and affordability through greater faculty engagement, as well as the ability to match customer demand on campus and provide a robust ecommerce solution.
“We believe Barnes & Noble College is aligned with our mission and will be dedicated to helping Marquette students navigate the ever-changing classroom resource landscape,” says Jenny Alexander, Marquette director of purchasing. “We are looking forward to leveraging Barnes & Noble College’s faculty adoption tools, retail experience, and commitment to cost-reduction strategies on textbooks and course materials for our students and faculty.”
“On behalf of Marquette, I also wish to sincerely thank Follett for their longstanding service to our students and faculty over the past years — we are grateful for the partnership and their gracious assistance during this transition,” Alexander adds.
“Thanks to all the faculty and staff who participated in the review process, particularly Dr. Jill Guttormson on behalf of the University Board of Undergraduate Studies and Dr. Laurieann Klockow on behalf of the Committee on Teaching,” says Dr. John Su, vice provost for academic affairs. “Their hard work helped to ensure we found the option that will provide the best combination of services and price for our students.”
Alexander says that Barnes & Noble College will drive affordability, access and achievement for Marquette students by providing a wide selection of learning materials, including new, used and digital books; a robust textbook rental program; and a price match program.
“The campus store will also offer an enhanced product assortment,” Alexander adds, “including Marquette branded merchandise to help students, faculty, alumni and fans show their Golden Eagle pride. Clothing, gifts, school supplies, technology and more will be available to browse both in-store and online.”
“We look forward to joining the Marquette University community as the official campus store operator,” says Barry Brover, executive vice president for Barnes & Noble College. “Our mission is to help the university, students and faculty to achieve success, supporting them with the largest possible selection of affordable learning materials and best-in-class retail operations. We are excited to serve the Marquette campus community for many years to come.”