Akademos News and Insights on College Textbooks, Course Materials & Bookstore Services

Jonathan Shar

White Paper: How College Bookstores Can Thrive With The New Hybrid Bookstore Model

The New Hybrid College Bookstore Model White Paper was released today and is now available for download.

This exclusive report provides key learning on how institutions are successfully implementing a low-cost online bookstore offering, while building a best-in-class on-campus shop.

For many institutions, the college bookstore is an integral part of the campus experience, but maintaining a vibrant retail shop has become increasingly challenging as competition from online, third-party providers has intensified and students are leaving the school-sanctioned bookstore in search of better pricing on their textbooks and course materials.

July 22, 2015 | by Jonathan Shar | in Research, Textbook Affordability

Research Finds Correlation Between Textbook Affordability & Student Satisfaction

According to research results highlighted in the 2015 Survey of College Presidents, Provosts and CAOs on the Future of Bookstore Services and Textbook Delivery White Paper, creating a formalized textbook affordability program is the key to unlocking student and faculty satisfaction.

One of the most important insights from our 2015 Survey of College Presidents, Provosts and CAOs on the Future of Bookstore Services and Textbook Delivery is that having a formal program to help faculty select high-quality, low-cost course materials directly correlates with higher student and faculty satisfaction. However, only 21% of institutions in the survey reported that they have a formal program.

July 20, 2015 | by Jonathan Shar | in Textbook Affordability, White Paper

The Impact of High Textbook Costs on Student Retention

In our 2015 survey of College Presidents, Provosts and CAOs on the Future of Bookstore Services and Textbook Delivery,
we asked participants to weigh in on how the exorbitant cost of textbooks are affecting student outcomes.

The majority (91%) of respondents agreed that the high cost of textbooks and course materials is having a negative impact on student retention, persistence, and completion.

July 7, 2015 | by Jonathan Shar | in Research, Textbook Affordability

White Paper: College CAO Survey on the Future of Bookstore Services & Textbook Delivery

Survey results highlight a significant gap between institutions recognizing the problem of textbook affordability and those taking action to implement change.

In 2013, Akademos conducted the first comprehensive survey of College and University Presidents, Provosts, and CAOs focusing on textbook delivery, costs, and bookstore services. The just-released 2015 follow up survey reveals a rich set of data points, key trends and insight into the challenges and opportunities facing institutions regarding escalating textbook prices and their impact across all campus stakeholder groups.

June 25, 2015 | by Jonathan Shar | in New Bookstore Models

From Brick and Mortar to a New Hybrid Bookstore Model

This article was originally published on the National Association of College and Auxiliary Services (NACAS) website on June 4, 2015

From brick and mortar to digital

Author: Derrick Singleton, Vice President of Operations & Sustainability at Berea College

Because it is an endowment-driven institution, Berea College’s commitment to serve its student population through the no-tuition promise drives a sense of urgency to be excellent financial stewards and caring service providers— our decision to embrace technology and move to a new hybrid model for our college bookstore enhances our ability to be both.

June 22, 2015 | by Jonathan Shar | in Company News, Partnerships

Northshore Technical Community College Adopts Akademos’ Online Bookstore Platform

In an effort to increase textbook affordability for its students, Northshore Technical Community College partners with Akademos, an online bookstore platform dedicated to supporting student success.

We are pleased to announce that Northshore Technical Community College has joined our fast growing list of partner schools. Northshore Technical Community College is a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), an organization that provides strategic management & support for Louisiana's
13 community and technical colleges.

News and Insights on College Textbooks, Course Materials & Bookstore Services