University to Run On-Campus Merchandise Store as it Moves Books and Course Materials Online 

We are thrilled to announce that Judson University has selected Akademos as its partner to launch a hybrid bookstore model at the school. An evangelical Christian University in Elgin, IL, Judson’s community and more than 1,200 students will be supported by an elevated in-store and online experience. Using Akademos’ premier course materials platform, Judson will move textbook sales online while running an on-campus store for branded merchandise and apparel. The new merchandise store comes just in time to support Judson’s emerging football program, which began last fall.

The biennial survey provides insights from academic leaders on the rapidly changing textbook and course materials environment

Our 2020 Survey of Academic Leadership white paper is now available for download! This survey explores the current state of textbooks and course materials, and how institutions continue to prioritize reducing course material costs and understand their impact on student success. It also compares trends from previous surveys to give you a broader understanding of the changing course material environment and the pace at which it has evolved.

Further advancing an integrated approach to learning in higher education

We are very excited to announce our newest strategic partnership that brings additional benefits to students and faculty through the Akademos course materials platform. The partnership integrates CogBooks’ engaging adaptive learning courseware into Akademos’ industry-leading online bookstore and course materials platform. In addition to a more comprehensive course materials ecosystem and agile learning environment that keeps students engaged, this strategic agreement will provide higher education institutions valuable tools and insights into student success.

When it comes to getting work done, whether it’s “real world” work or classwork, everyone has preferences of how they like to get things done. For college students, it could be studying in a cube in the library or sitting at a table with friends. Some study better in their dorm while others can’t focus in their rooms. Those with a traditional job might prefer sitting in an office with the door closed or try to find an opportunity to work remotely.

At many college bookstores, revenues from textbooks and course materials continues to shrink every year – something that's already well known but proven to be difficult to fix. With competition from online giants like Amazon and a digital transformation in course materials, university administrators need new strategies to improve sales while continuing to meet student needs.

The brand new 2019 College Business Officers Survey we just completed reveals how higher ed institutions plan to meet these challenges with innovative, low-cost, digital options.

Tipping points can be defined by a series of changes, often small ones, that become critical enough to bring about an unstoppable change. The use of digital course materials in colleges and universities is already at its tipping point.