News 2018: Campus Bookstore to Transition to Online Hybrid Bookstore Model

For the Fall 2018 semester, all course materials will be moving online

For the Fall 2018 semester, the Campus Store will move to an online hybrid bookstore model.

This means that students will no longer purchase their books in-store, but will instead order them online.

“Most students are already buying their books online,” Jeffrey Augustine, Director of Campus Services said. “The need for a physical bookstore is dwindling and will continue to do so. Students don’t care where their textbooks come from—as long as it’s a convenient process and the least expensive option.”

As a result of the transition, book prices will be decreasing. An online hybrid model will combine the convenience and low cost of an online marketplace with the in-person customer service you would experience at a brick and mortar bookstore. Campus Store representatives will be available in-store to assist students, parents and faculty.

Reducing the costs of books will allow the Campus Store to be more competitive with external marketplaces. This is especially important for students utilizing financial aid to purchase course materials.

Eliminating the inventory space for physical books in the Campus Store will allow important student services to be centralized in the Campus Center, such as Mail and Package Handling and a brand new Print Center.

To purchase course materials, students will import their course schedule from COIN to a shopping cart on the Campus Store webpage (www.umdstore.com). Or, they can visit the site directly and shop for books using course and section number, ISBN number or book title. 

Books will be shipped to the Campus Store for free, or students may choose an outside address for a flat shipping rate of $7.50. Average shipping time is 3 – 5 business days. 

Additional details can be found at www.umassd.edu/campusservices.