Youngstown State University announced this morning a new agreement with Barnes & Noble College to manage the university’s bookstore, a partnership that could eventually lead to the construction of a standalone Barnes & Noble College store on campus.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Barnes & Noble College and its decades of expertise and success in the bookselling business to the YSU campus,” said Neal McNally, vice president for Operations and Finance. “We believe that Barnes & Noble College will serve to enhance the visibility of the bookstore on campus and improve the book-buying experience of our students.”
McNally said Barnes & Noble College was chosen to manage the bookstore following a national selection process that involved students, faculty and staff.
While no firm plans are in place, the partnership may also eventually mean that the bookstore, now located in Kilcawley Center, could move to a new standalone Barnes & Noble College store and café on Fifth Avenue on campus.
Meanwhile, Barnes & Noble College, which currently manages 751 campus bookstores nationwide, will manage the existing campus store, which previously was operated by the university.
Ron Cole, YSU public information officer, said bookstore employees were offered jobs with Barnes & Noble. Two staffers have retired and the manager is no longer at the campus bookstore. University bookstore staff were employed by YSU.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Youngstown State University,” said Chris Peterson, vice president of Stores for Barnes & Noble College. “This partnership is a great opportunity to support student success by offering new resources that will provide students and faculty with affordable and convenient learning material options and embrace the university’s core mission and culture.”
The bookstore is planning a special Freshmen VIP event and open house for later this month. Fall semester classes begin Aug. 24.
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