UH System switches bookstore vendor to Follett

All University of Houston System (UHS) campus bookstores will be making an official change to Follett Higher Education Group this summer, following a decision made to part ways with Barnes & Noble after over three decades. The UHCL bookstore underwent a brief closure June 16-22 in order to officially switch vendors.

“Follett was selected after much deliberation by a multi-disciplinary evaluation committee made up of representatives from all UHS universities,” said Matt Prasifka, interim executive director of UH Auxiliary Services.

Prasifka said the decision to switch to Follett came after deliberation by a multi-disciplinary evaluation committee consisting of representatives from all UHS institutions, faculty, staff, administrators and student leaders. Affordability of course materials, new merchandise, and integrated online services and learning materials for students were focuses of the committee.

“Technology has advanced and it was time to evaluate our options to ensure that we are delivering affordability and innovative, first-to-market initiatives in the university bookstores that serve more than 73,000 students across the UH System,” said Emily Messa, UH System associate vice chancellor for administration, in a June 6, 2019 press release.

Following the expiration of Barnes & Noble’s contract with the UH System, Follett landed the new contract over their competitor with UHS.

“We have served the University of Houston-Clear Lake community for almost 20 years, providing a vibrant social and academic hub in the heart of campus,” said Barry Brover, executive vice president of Barnes & Noble Education. “While we are disappointed with the university administration’s decision to move in a different direction, we are very proud our many years spent serving UH-Clear Lake students, faculty and alumni.”

The Follett website states the company is “the world’s largest single source of books, entertainment products, digital content and multi-media, and currently serves more than 900 unique college and university brands.”

Similar to Barnes & Noble, Follett will offer UH System apparel and merchandise, in addition to textbooks and school supplies. The most notable change, however, will be a lack of food and drink products. Prasifka confirmed this service would not be provided by Follett, but says, “expanded food options will be available through dining locations.”

The UHCL bookstore is a popular location for purchasing snacks and beverages, as well as the only on-campus location to purchase textbooks and textbook access codes. The loss of a food option and potential changes in textbook prices has caused some concerns amongst students.

“I don’t particularly mind that the university changed bookstore vendors, as long as it will allow students to get textbooks at a more affordable price,” said Tyler Baggerley, recent alumnus from the College of Science and Engineering. “I often visited the bookstore to buy snacks or drinks, so I have concerns about future students losing that food option and potentially having to pay more for textbooks with a new retailer.”

Prasifka said students should not worry about possible changes in textbook prices.

“The primary focus of the evaluation committee was to find a provider that will offer new affordability options for course material, fresh and updated merchandise with various styles and prices, and integrated online services and learning materials for students,” Prasifka said.

In addition to changes in merchandise, the bookstore may also see changes in employment. Those currently employed by the bookstore will not automatically be able to keep their jobs.

“All current Barnes & Noble employees were encouraged to apply for positions with Follett,” Prasifka said.

UHCL faculty have already been notified of the change in bookstore vendors, and Follett will be filling textbook orders for the fall 2019 semester, in addition to the upcoming summer II session.

“We think students will appreciate the new, updated merchandise, products and services,” Prasifka said. “We believe our new campus store contract will bring additional benefits to help support student success by providing new affordability options for course materials and stronger options.”