Bookstore Advisory Council Meeting
October 10, 2011
11:00AM
Auxiliary Services Conference Room (Bld. 8, Room 1106)
MEETING MINUTES
Members Present: Tom Van Schoor (Chair), Faith Hall, Hong Chen, Lois Scott, Christy
Linster, Courtney Warner, Will Tutwiller
Members Absent: George Candler, Newton Jackson, Kyler Dykes
Others Present: Vincent Smyth (Auxiliary), Suzanne Holder (Director of the Follett), Kimberly
Banks (Follett), Lee Cobb (Follett), Agata Dawidowicz (Auxiliary)
The meeting was called to order at 11:05 AM by Tom Van Schoor (Chair).
1. Introduction
Since this was the first meeting of the 2011-2012 Bookstore Advisory Council Tom Van Schoor
introduced himself and asked everyone in the room to do the same.
2. Approval to Audio Record Meeting
Tom Van Schoor notified members that meeting was being recorded to assist in taking the
minutes.
3. Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as circulated.
4. Objective of the Bookstore Council
Vince Smyth reviewed the objective of the Council to provide feedback, insight and suggestions
to the President. Vince mentioned that Council members do not have to wait until the meeting,
but can send any questions or comments to him or his office (Auxiliary Services) or to the
bookstore.
5. Approval of Minutes of January 24th, 2011.
Moved by Lois Scott and seconded by Faith Hall to approve the minutes of January 24, 2011.
The motion passed unanimously.
6. Review Bylaws
Tom Van Schoor briefly reviewed the bylaws and they were approved.
7. Vice Chair for 2011-2012
Tom Van Schoor asked if anyone would like to take the position of the Vice Chair. Vince Smyth
reminded that Bylaws state that Vice Chair typically succeeds the Chair next year. The only
nomination was Faith Hall. The Council was in agreement that Faith be the Vice Chair. The
nomination will be submitted to the President for ratification.
8. Facilities Report
Vince Smyth briefly went over his affiliation with the Bookstore Council and Follett and his
responsibility as the Director of Auxiliary Services. On a day to day basis he acts as the
University’s liaison with Follett.
The contract with Follett was extended to October 2016. There are no contractual issues or plans
for any changes to the Student Union. Vince mentioned that Follett also runs a second shop
on-campus at the University Center called the Cop Shop.
9. Operational Report
Suzanne Holder reported that sales are lower than last year. Follett had a slow summer term and
students didn’t get as much of the Financial Aid for the Fall. Additionally, students buy more
rental than new or used books. Bookstore tries to supplement lower sales with new items in the
store like: gifts, candles, Kindle, and by having a bigger computer selection.
Lee Cobb talked about shifting from paper textbooks to eBooks. Students will be able to see 4
different prices on tags: new, used, rental, and digital version. There has been growth in rental
books of 2,493 units and $143,000 compared to last year. Digital book revenues have grown
from $840 last year to $8,950 this year. Students are becoming more interested in buying digital
books since they can access it everywhere with the internet connection and they are also cheaper
by 40%-60%. Starting this year students can buy digital books for the subscription of 180 days or
for a long term. Publishers control the product and whether it will be offered as a digital version.
Kimberly Banks talked about promotion of fleeces, sweatshirts, and holiday stuff. Faculty and
Staff will have Appreciation Day in December where they can buy stuff for additional 10% less
on top of the standard 20%. Follett has book signings which are very successful. Follett also
provides demos in the store and they can show how the eBook looks like to students where they
sell tablets.
Suzanne noted that the reduction in sales is a combination of students buying the rental/digital
version and also that students are buying less. Follett still gets a high volume of students but they
are spending less in sales.
Faith Hall asked about the margin the Bookstore gets to different version of books. Lee answered
that yes the margin for all versions of the books is the same. Vince added that it is stated in the
contract the maximum margin that Follett can use. Suzanne stated the goal of Follett is to be
evolving to what the campus and student needs are. Suzanne mentioned that with the change of
freshman living on campus Follett will try to offer more dorm stuff starting next year. The
campus Suzanne came from had a site where students could pre-order dorm items and have
Student Government deliver the items to their residence room.
10. Emerging / Other Issues.
No other business items were raised by Council members.
11. Future Meeting(s)
Tom Van Schoor announced that unless an issue arises requiring an additional meeting, the next
meeting for the Bookstore Advisory Council will be early in Spring Term.
Meeting adjourned at 11:37AM.