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A massive renovation of the Columbia campus University Bookstore in April will result in several new features, including an expanded periodicals selection and a more eye-pleasing décor.
The $300,000 renovation will include new carpet, flooring, lighting, furnishings, library-style bookshelves and display racks, and—for the first time—sofas and chairs for relaxed browsing. Barnes & Noble operates USC’s bookstore under contract and is picking up two-thirds of the renovation costs; the new look will reflect the interior of the company’s retail bookstores.
“We wanted to dramatically improve the appearance of the bookstore, to make it the kind of place faculty, staff, and students would want to spend some time,” said Helen Zeigler, USC’s director of business affairs. “USC’s share of the revenues from the bookstore is earmarked for student scholarships, so it’s in our best interest to do everything we can to increase traffic there.”
Barnes & Noble has operated the bookstore since May 2001 and studied usage patterns to determine the best plan for renovations. A major new feature will be a second entrance that connects the bookstore to the interior of the Russell House near the Grand Marketplace. The new entrance will allow patrons to conveniently purchase food or beverages at nearby Zia Juice or Seattle’s Best, then relax on new seating in the bookstore to eat or drink.
Another change will move the trade books section to the front of the store’s 16,475-square-foot area, and increase the number of periodicals will from about 70 to 250 titles.
“This renovation will make the store an attractive destination for faculty and staff,” said Mike Comiskey, manager of University Bookstore. “This will look like a regular Barnes & Noble bookstore when we’re through.”
University Bookstore will remain open during the renovations, which will begin early in April and will be completed four to five weeks later.
Funds from USC’s share of the bookstore’s revenues—about $495,000 or more annually—cover the tuition costs of 350 to 500 University Scholars every year. Those $1,500 scholarships are granted on the basis of SAT scores and GPAs.
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