Learn more about merging the convenience of an online store with the importance of an on-campus community in Ambassador's new white paper.
"Staffing and overhead leave campus stores little room to compete with online giants, forcing colleges and universities to rethink the role of bookstore and the need to provide course materials in the most efficient and cost effective way," said Blicht.
Melville, NY (PRWEB) October 10, 2017
The landscape of the campus bookstore is changing as students look to other sources to purchase print and digital course materials at the best price possible. Yet this doesn't mean the demise of this once central on-campus hub, but rather an opportunity to reposition the store itself. In its newly published white paper, Ambassador Education Solutions outlines the market dynamics impacting student purchasing behaviors, the opportunities to evolve the campus bookstore, and how a Hybrid Bookstore Model provides accessible and affordable course materials.
"Should Your Campus Bookstore Sell Books?" is available here.
"The traditional campus bookstore has always been a fundamental part of the education experience, both academically and socially. In addition to being a prime retail resource, it's also been a valuable point of connection for students, faculty, parents, alumni and the community," said Steven M. Blicht, COO of Ambassador. "That said, rising textbook costs are causing students to shop around. Staffing and overhead leave campus stores little room to compete with online giants, forcing colleges and universities to rethink the role of bookstore and the need to provide course materials in the most efficient and cost effective way."
Under a Hybrid Bookstore Model, colleges and universities are not burdened by the costs and logistics associated with carrying course materials inventory. All course materials are sold through an online bookstore, which is integrated with other campus enterprise systems to ensure students’ required materials for their enrolled classes are clearly identified. The school maintains an on-campus location where students can pick up their pre-boxed online orders (if set up by the school), as well as meet up with peers and shop for non-course materials such as school logo spirit apparel, merchandise and more.
Ambassador is an early innovator when it comes to helping schools transition to the Hybrid Bookstore Model, overseeing the adoption, management and delivery of print and digital resources. The company's technology, processes and insights allow schools to lower their costs and increase distribution channels; give students the opportunity to search more affordable course materials options online anytime, anywhere; and enable everyone to enjoy the social bonds that an on-campus location affords.
About Ambassador
Ambassador creates and manages customized content integration programs that connect students with course materials in the most meaningful and effective way, driving down costs and improving outcomes. Integrated with leading SIS, LMS and Digital Content Platforms, we simplify the adoption, management and delivery of textbooks, eBooks, digital resources, custom content, OER, access codes, online testing, supplies, kits, devices and more. We provide an exceptional student experience, lower your operational and financial risk, and deliver key intelligence to measure and enhance programs. For more information, please visit http://www.ambassadored.com.