Truman State University has joined one of the many university book stores operating under Barnes & Noble College.
Barnes & Nobles College is a campus store operator that partnered with Truman and will be starting in the fall semester. Tyana Lange, vice president for enrollment and management marketing, said state institutions have a requirement to change vendors every few years. The previous contract ran out at the end of the spring semester. Lange said the choice for stores had been between strictly online stores or physical stores that had an online option.
The bookstore will not be changing very drastically from what returning students have experienced. The bigger changes will happen during the First Day Complete program next year. Any materials students need from the bookstore can be purchased either at the physical store or online at truman.bnc.com.
“Physical store was a dealbreaker, and Barnes & Noble College aligned more closely with what we were looking for,” Lange said.
Admin chose Barnes & Noble College based on multiple factors. The big factor was size since financials aligned more closely, Lange said.
Though the decision was not made based on proximity, there are colleges relatively close to Kirksville that have made the switch as well. Lindenwood University’s bookstore has been partnered with Barnes & Noble College since 2016. Lindenwood University Assistant store manager Emily Rolands says the University runs quite smoothly and has not noticed any problems with the plan.
“I’d say any feedback from students is pretty positive most of the time. I mean most of us haven’t known anything different, but we don’t have many complaints. It’s just nice having everything in one place,” Rolands said.
The Truman Today released on June 10, 2024 explains that the University plans to participate in the First Day Complete textbook program for the first time in the fall semester of 2025. The program ensures students have all required course materials by or before the first day of classes. After a student has enrolled in their courses, they will automatically be signed up for the program which compiles all course materials in one space. The student can either confirm the discounted purchase or opt out. If the student confirms the order, a rental flat fee of $360 will be charged for full-time students and $168 for part-time students. They will receive an email when the materials have shipped and/or arrived. Online materials will be distributed via BrightSpace.
The bookstore will not be changing very drastically from what returning students have experienced. The bigger changes will happen during the First Day Complete program next year. Any materials students need from the bookstore can be purchased either at the physical store or online at truman.bnc.com.