Seattle U Bookstore to remain independent

After almost eight months of deliberation, the university told The Spectator Tuesday that Seattle University's bookstore advisory committee is recommending the bookstore remain self-operated.

"I believe we have a bookstore that is very strong and well positioned to offer a truly premier experience to the campus community," said Ron Smith, vice president for Finance and Business Affairs.

The bookstore advisory board has been discussing whether or not to outsource the bookstore since summer 2009, bringing an outside consultant to campus during fall quarter.

The university first announced that it was considering outsourcing spring quarter 2009. The announcement sparked outrage from faculty and students, some of whom created a Facebook group against outsourcing which has since gained more than 300 members.

The university decided to form the bookstore advisory committee after receiving the objections from the community. Critics of the proposal were concerned that, with a company like Barns & Noble running the bookstore, prices would rise, existing staff might be replaced or local merchandise dropped from the shelves.

A representative from Campus Bookstore Consulting submitted comments to the advisory committee in December, stating that the bookstore is doing a good job in providing a moderate to high level of customer satisfaction and an annual fiscal contribution to the university. The report also stated the store's used book sales are "above the industry average."

Currently, all bookstore profit returns to the university, providing funds for miscellaneous aid as well as the bookstore's work-study program. The Seattle U Bookstore makes $500,000 to $600,000 a year for the university and contributes $400,000 of in kind services like discounts and scholarships.

After viewing the report, the committee suggested areas for improvement.
Some of the recommendations include a partnership with Athletics to identify a team sports product line, creating an enhanced bookstore governance structure and a partnership with Facilities to develop a short-term plan in order to improve the existing bookstore space.

The board also suggested creating an Academic Advisory Council comprised of faculty and students, which would evaluate textbook availability and selection processes along with other academic support needs.

Seattle U is only one of eight out of 28 American Jesuit universities that does not outsource its bookstore.

"We're very excited about the decision," said Bob Spencer, bookstore manager. "The staff is energized."

According to Spencer, the bookstore expects to see visible improvements and changes in the next year. One such change could include adding a Nike concept store. Spencer said it is not the bookstore's job to reconcile Nike's sweatshop concerns, but the job of the university's anti-sweatshop committee.

"We have a lot more leverage with these companies such as Nike and Russell when we are able to work with them as partners," said Spencer, who sits on the committee. "They need to hear our voice when it comes to sweatshop concerns."

The last review of the bookstore was in 1999, before the bookstore had become profitable. The university intends to review bookstore practices again in three years and then continue reviews every five years after that.

Frances can be reached at fdinger@su-spectator.com.