College Shifts Bookstore Sales to Online, Plans Campus Closure
Cosumnes River College is set to transition its bookstore operations to an online platform, leading to the closure of its physical location. This decision comes as a response to the increasing number of students utilizing the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program and Open Educational Resources (OER).
Reasons Behind the Closure
According to Theresa Tena, vice president of administrative services, the Hawks Nest College Store ranks among the lowest-performing bookstores in the Los Rios Community College District. A significant portion of CRC students are relying on ZTC materials, resulting in substantial savings.
- Students have saved approximately $13 million over three years due to ZTC utilization.
- As of fall, 75% of CRC course sections implemented ZTC materials.
Comparison with Other Colleges
While CRC and Folsom Lake College will close their bookstores, American River College and Sacramento City College will maintain their physical locations. Academic Senate President Lauren Wagner noted that operating a traditional bookstore at CRC isn’t a sustainable business model.
Impact on Students
Concerns have emerged regarding the closure’s effect on student life. Dennise Valdez, a 21-year-old member of the student senate, pointed out that students with different learning styles may struggle with exclusively online materials. Many students prefer the bookstore for quick snacks and avoiding crowded environments.
Student Perspectives
- Jacob Burner, a 23-year-old bookstore employee, highlighted that most student visits are for snacks and energy drinks.
- Valdez expressed her preference for the bookstore over the cafeteria when it comes to snacks.
Future Developments
With the bookstore’s closure, there is potential for the space to be repurposed. Tena indicated that it could host resources like Health and Wellness and Hawk CARES, allowing for better accessibility for students needing support.
Wagner assured that while there will be no physical storefront, students will still be able to order materials online and have them shipped to campus or their homes. Plans for convenience items like snacks and campus merchandise are currently under review.
In response to student concerns, activities such as merchandise pop-ups may be introduced at the start of each semester. Wagner urged students to communicate their concerns to faculty and student government representatives to facilitate support measures.
