Barnes & Noble to operate local college?s bookstores
(July 29, 2004)--Seeking to improve operations and better serve students, the Kentucky
Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has entered into an agreement with Barnes
& Noble Booksellers to take over operations of all KCTCS college bookstores.
The partnership between KCTCS and Barnes & Noble, which took effect on July 1, is indicative of
a growing trend toward consolidation in the college bookstore industry to improve operations and
service to students by providing college bookstores with more efficient procedures, modern
facilities and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
"College bookstores are an integral element of the total education and academic mission of
KCTCS," said President Michael B. McCall. ?Through dedication and support for the educational
goals of our students and community, KCTCS shall continue to become the nation?s best
comprehensive community and technical college system.?
At Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, Barnes & Noble Booksellers will
operate three stores at locations on the campuses at Cumberland, Whitesburg and Middlesboro.
SKCTC President Dr. W. Bruce Ayers called the partnership a ?wonderful opportunity? for
students as well as the entire community. ?We at Southeast are very happy to be associated with
the world?s largest book seller, and the agreement with Barnes & Noble will provide many more
choices for our students while also providing a complete lineup of sale items for members of the
community as well.?
KCTCS and Barnes & Noble held a number of meetings to receive comments from college staff
members and outline procedures for future bookstore operations. Barnes & Noble employees,
many of whom had started in institutional stores themselves, also answered questions about the
new management structure.
For additional information about SKCTC bookstores and their hours of operation, contact Linda
Polli, manager, by phoning 589-2145 extension 2035.
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