UAS Bookstore Survey

1. Please indicate how you principally interact with the UAS Bookstore:

   Valid Missing Mean 98 0 NA As a local student : 44 As a distance (eLearning) student : 19 As an instructor : 12 University employee : 17 Member of the public : 6

 

2. Please indicate where you live:

   Valid Missing Mean 98 0 NA UAS Housing : 12 Juneau community : 74 Outside of Juneau : 12

 

3. The UAS bookstore website provides online ordering of textbooks and merchandise, general information on the bookstore and faculty book adoption information.

   How helpful is the bookstore web site to you?

   Valid Missing Mean 98 0 NA Very helpful : 17 Somewhat helpful : 33 No opinion : 9 Somewhat unhelpful : 7 Very unhelpful : 2 I have never used the web site : 30

 

4. How do you usually buy your text books?

   Valid Missing Mean 98 0 NA Juneau campus bookstore : 0 Juneau online bookstore (MBS Direct) : 0 Other local bookstore : 0 Other online bookstore : 0 Whoever has the best price : 98

   Comments:

   Selected: Whoever has the best price I've only found that UAS has the best price for the Accounting Text/WileyPlus package.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price Amazon has the best prices for textbooks, and offers the option to rent your textbooks.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price amazon.com

   Selected: Whoever has the best price My students prefer online

   Selected: Whoever has the best price As an instructor, I usually purchase books not available at the bookstore, or receive desk copies of books I use.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price If i cannot afford the prices.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price I also tend to check local libraries first unless it's a book of literature then I buy it.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price try bookstore first - local business

   Selected: Whoever has the best price The UAS bookstore's used textbooks usually cost twice what you can get them for online. And when it comes to a difference of a couple hundred dollars for a semester's worth of books, I can't waste the money on supporting a smaller business when I have to buy groceries.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price I always check with the bookstore website first to compare prices.  When they are reasonable, I purchase from the bookstore.  My next step is to check online MBS, then other online vendors.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price MBS is a complete ripoff and charges ridiculous amounts for shipping. The local bookstore is a ripoff as well. Other than last minute book purchases for late registration I have no idea why anyone would buy their books there, especially used books.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price Other online store, because they almost ALWAYS have the best price.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price I also recommend to my students (unless they depend on FinAid for books) to look around for the best price.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price I usually buy from Amazon.com.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price I never do buyback either. I always get a better price if I sell them myself.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price usually check friends of the library first, then amazon; usually the prices are cheaper and shipping is usually free.  Textbooks, even used ones are generally more expensive at the bookstore.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price Competitive prices are sincerely important when considering where to purchase--but this includes shipping and time! If the books aren't here on time, you end up paying the higher price for convenience. Being able to sell back books, is also a key feature for where I decide to purchase them.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price Better prices online then at bookstore

   Selected: Whoever has the best price mostly buy from coursesmart.com (online version of textbooks)

   Selected: Whoever has the best price The bookstore's prices are usually much higher than everywhere else. The only time I buy books from the bookstore is if someone gave me a gift certificate or I need the book immediately and can't wait for it to ship.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price As an instructor, I don't purchase the text books I use.  My students are predominately distance students and while I encourage my students to use mbsdirect, I know that any number of them use alternate vendors.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price The Juneau campus bookstore rarely has the best price on the market for bigger textbooks - for science classes, for example

   Selected: Whoever has the best price I usually rent my textbooks online.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price The bookstore is a ripoff. They overcharge everything and then give you $12 for a book you paid $200 for a little over 3 months earlier. BULLSHIT!

   Selected: Whoever has the best price Amazon

   Selected: Whoever has the best price I am an exchange student and it was my only option

   Selected: Whoever has the best price rent from amazon

   Selected: Whoever has the best price eBooks.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price Amazon Kindle 90% of the time

   Selected: Whoever has the best price The burden of extremely high text prices is an unnecessary drag on the growth of economically productive graduates. It is not only an ineffective system, and a waste of potential economic growth; it also eats at trust, leaves one feeling as if someone is deliberately and unfairly taking advantage of students' vulnerability in needing texts to acquire education.

   Selected: Whoever has the best price I use a variety of sources each semester.

 

5. I use the campus bookstore to purchase:

   Valid Missing Mean 96 2 NA Textbooks : 44 School supplies/backpacks : 31 Art supplies : 18 Clothing : 29 General books : 18 Gifts : 45 I do not shop at the campus bookstore : 18 Other : 8

   Comments:

   Selected: Though I don't frequently shop at the campus bookstore

   Selected: I do not shop at the campus bookstore The bookstore is outrageously expensive. They also do not take the books back about 80% of the time. When they do, the price they offer you is always under 25% the original price.

   Selected: The bookstore is inconveniently located.  It has a nice selection of things but it seems like the type of store that would do better downtown, also the selection is higher priced and better suited to working people than students.

   Selected: Locally published flights not always widely available

   Selected: I really like the pencils, pens, highlighters, etc collections. But I just wished they weren't so pricey. I mean $4-6 for just one pen or pencil? That is ridiculous!

   Selected: Other Sometimes textbooks, sometimes school supplies I am missing, and occasionally art supplies.

   Selected: General books I don't really see any other items besides books,

   Selected: Textbooks I rarely go to the bookstore.  It is not in a location that makes me want to visit without a purpose.

   Selected: I do not shop at the campus bookstore Again, beat up, marked in used books are marked up way more than what they're worth and can be purchased online (half.ebay.com) for a fraction of the price.

   Selected: I only buy things rarely. Walmart is WAY cheaper, for school supplies, and amazon is WAY cheaper for textbooks. Special art things for art classes are about it, except occasionally notebooks in a hurry.

   Selected: Other UAS logo merchandise

   Selected: Textbooks There's some cool stuff in there but it's too expensive for me.

   Selected: Great variety of items

   Selected: I continuously look for books through the bookstore, but usually purchase online because of significant price differences.

   Selected: The bookstore is well managed and looks very nice. I always like to go in there and it is a nice presence a face for the University in the area down closer to DeHarts. It was even more so when we had the large bank-style clock with temperature and the higher-up UAS sign. Not sure why that was taken out (or not just replaced) - it was a landmark and a good advertisement for both the bookstore and UAS.

   Selected: I used to frequent the book store and really looked forward to doing so when it was on campus but once it was moved off campus it became "out of sight, out of mind" (despite the fact that it is now located in a lovely setting and filled with great gifts and enticing sundries and great reading material) and coupled with the gradual lowering quality and rising prices in the cafeteria the frequency of my trips to Mourant has drastically declined.   Add to that -- now that the campus has been divided in half re: vehicle traffic...while I used to occasionally, I no longer use the entrance on the Back Loop at all, thus virtually guaranteeing that I do not/will not get the visual reminder and consequent occasional urge to make an impulse shopping stop.

   Selected: I really like the UAS stuff like mugs, sweaters, etc.  I also really enjoy the artsy gifts you can buy there.  However, the prices can be pretty outrageous.

   Selected: I do not shop at the campus bookstore TOO EXPENSIVE

   Selected: Other i only shop there if i cant find a book i need online and the bookstore has it

   Selected: Other I live outside of Juneau but I love shopping at the colleges/universities bookstores. They are fun!

   some textbooks

   Selected: I love that you guys have yoga material to buy.

   Selected: I love the campus bookstore environment, product mix, vibe. I have introduced nonstudents to the bookstore shopping experience as well and they are happy.

 

6. Do you use the bookstore to purchase books using financial aid or agency funding prior to disbursement?

   Valid Missing Mean 98 0 NA Yes : 14 No : 84

 

7. Looking ahead, what are the best things about the current UAS Bookstore that UAS should strive to preserve?

   Valid Missing Mean 63 35 NA

   Comments:

   The has bookstore website is helpful in that local and distance textbooks are easy to search for.

   local artists showings

   Having taught at multiple institutions I don't think this bookstore is sustainable.  I don't support continuing the bookstore.  In general, it is difficult to sustain u bookstores.

   Great selection of UAS gear, great art and gifts, good local and UAS authors. Artwalk venue

   The variety of UAS logo clothes

   It may become the primary bookstore in Juneau with Hearthside book stores closing. It is currently a nice store with nice gifts and class supplies.

   Unique gift options

   I believe the best thing about the bookstore, is that it allows you to browse through the textbooks, what items you may need for classes, many art supplies are not available locally, and finally looking for cards and gifts close by so you don't forget those special events.  Yes, many of us use the e-cards as well, but you still can't replace that special card for that special someone to hold in their hands.

   I would say the textbooks at lowest price possible. The writing tools, but lower the price. The journals and general books. The small artsy and crafty things. The clothes are nice, but I can't afford them because they are too expensive.

   Diversity of reference books and other useful student items.

   The unique items.

   The variety. I think it is really cool there are all the artsy stuff in there for sale.

   It always has a good collection of items including textbooks, clothing and art supplies. Their gifts are a great addition to the store. I hope UAS continues with keeping a large selection of items available for students and the community to buy especially UAS attire. I also like the idea of students being able to purchase books using financial aid or agency funding. This is sometimes the only way students can receive their book prior to their classes starting.

   The layout and service is great.

   I think that the prompt and helpful customer service is the UAS Bookstore's best feature. A person is so much easier to deal with then any website or machine.

   provide more up to date stuff and also affordable pricing

   An independent bookstore in a town where 2 of the 3 independent bookstores are currently for sale and with questionable outlooks.  A place where students can get a textbook immediately without paying for shipping.

   used book buy back and sell, art supplies (no one else carries them)

   Selling books by local authors.

   Unique collection of gift items, art supplies, notebooks and other school supplies.

   Books at competitive prices UAS clothing and UAS pride type inventory Fair trade gifts

   Bookstore website.  A lot of the time the bookstore knows the required texts before the syllabus is available.  Some syllabi do not include text requirements.  Students that plan ahead need to know the required texts asap.

   convenience

   Currently the UAS Bookstore is the only shop in town that sells high quality acrylic paint...

   unsure

   at least HAVE one

   I'm told that UAS has the best stock of art supplies in Juneau.

   nice staff.

   A place to purchase UAS logo merchandise

   Collaboration with FinAid so students can get their books by the time classes start if they are financially strapped.

   Focus on books, not hippy merchandise

   I love the atmosphere there and all of the awesome gifts they sell!

   I like the hats and gift ideas that the bookstore has. It's great that there are some affordable items.

   UAS logo items, variety of art supplies

   I really appreciate the selection of fair trade market and other unique giftworthy items.  The Juneau community is becoming aware the store sells more than just books.

   ??

   The 10,000 Village and local art as well as small book section.

   Left-handed notebooks and rain gear. :)

   The beautiful, funky spirit of the gift shop

   N/A

   I have not used the uas bookstore.

   The wide variety of items.  These are hard to find anywhere else in Juneau.

   It's nice that there's immediate gratification if I forgot something or added a class late.

   Where it is. The atmosphere inside. The art. The nice gifts. This is a really good place and what many students (and parents) first see when they show up for the semester. Please don't change it.

   Free trade gift items, friendly staff.

   Having books available on campus is very helpful. I also like all the art supplies and gifts.

   Venue for distance students to order texts/other required.

   The helpful people who lurk in the schoolbooks sections and know exactly where to find what books you need for what class

   Textbooks (if they're at a reasonable price), UAS gear including hats and sweaters etc., other artsy trinkets, art supplies for art students (even though I never bought them because I'm not an art student), being able to charge your purchases to your UAS account.

   UAS focused gifts and books.

   Our logo wear!

   Awesome t-shirts, whale posters, funky winter hats and the clearance section

   It has great gifts, clothing, books--I love shopping there for these things.

   The website to look up what books are needed for the classes is clear and very helpful

   I'm not sure. I've only used it a couple of times.

   Great service and unique gifts

   It got a great array of supplies, books, and gift stuff

   Find a different way to sell text books? Or make service so good at the book store that we don't mind spending the extra 20 dollars for a book. Service is everything! Maybe have once a month sells for the college students in the dorms? Bring in cheap cleaning products, food, and other things that are good for college students to buy on discount that they can use their whalebucks with.

   Surveying student opinions. That is a great first step.

   The vibe, the excellent product selection, the relevant materials for the semester.

   friendly staff, great merchandice

   UAS branded items (clothing)

   friendly and prompt service

 

8. Looking ahead, what changes or new or enhanced services should UAS consider for the bookstore?

   Valid Missing Mean 62 36 NA

   Comments:

   The main change that needs to happen mainly involves the overpricing of textbooks. This bookstore has prices that are almost three times more than other online websites, and almost never provide a refund for returned textbooks. I'm aware that it is a small, local bookstore, but that does not mean they need to have a near 100% profit on textbooks.

   Better selection and branding for logo apparel, using the real UAS logo, and more affordable prices. Sweatshirts shouldn't be $50!

   ensure text books are available for students taking classes, not to sell text books to the public. the text book inventory should have some type of monitoring systems to manage these sales.

   None.  It should be closed.

   Move back on Campus....ground floor of new freshman dorm! or lower floor of Egan classrooms or k to upper Mourant adjacent to cafeteria

   It would be great if you could add a coffee shop, news stand and lounge area and make it a destination for students, staff and the public. It might get more traffic if it is on campus.

   The bookstore is great in how it enhances the community with special gifts from around the globe, art supplies, and easy access to those textbooks you don't have time to wait for.

   Lower price everything! I mean the bags and backpacks and laptop bags are soo nice! But at 60-70 bucks a piece, who could afford them? And it doesn't make much of a difference when they are on sale because a 10% discount on 50-60 dollar items doesn't even make a dent. I like the clothes too but they are expensive. Same with the notebook. We need more affordable items in there.

   Prices, the bookstore should strive to make its offerings more affordable.

   Working with MBS to establish reasonable shipping fees.

   Better prices! Many school things in there are way overpriced. (ie graphing calculators for $150 when the same calculator can be bought at a nearby store for $120).

   I wish the bookstore was on campus. I believe that majority would benefit from the move to on campus it would also bring the community on campus to be a part of it and be able to see our changes. I think improving their website so anyone could shop on it would be a great feature, items could include books, apparel, gifts, supplies etc (maybe even a sale or a clearance section). If this was available more people outside of Juneau (especially our satellite campuses) would be able to purchase UAS items including their books.

   Lower prices would help, I would be more open to buying merchandise if it were affordable.

   I think that the book list for all classes should be compiled in a place that students can view it without physically going to the bookstore or MBS.

   The location of the bookstore should be on campus. The site of the bookstore should serve the greater community. Locating the bookstore on campus would help create more of a university feel where there is currently not.

   less and less graphics because us online students have a very very SLOW internet services.

   Outsource textbook piece to utilize more efficient online textbook sales and delivery (possibly with campus bookstore as a pickup location), maintain small inventory of general books, UAS merch and gift items in a physical store with a secondary service like coffee shop.

   less kitsch

   Cheaper used textbooks and it would also be nice if they sold other inexpensive used general books, such as novels, etc.

   Selling tickets for Juneau events will get people in the bookstore.  Art receptions are a good idea.  Book readings.  Highlight UA literature (probably already do)

   Either offer an online only bookstore with shipping or move the bookstore to main campus.  If the bookstore is on main campus, in the 15 minutes I have between classes, I will be more likely to look at UAS swag and consider buying some stuff.  :)

   online marketplace as opposed to "buy back" and selling used.

   I do know what you're thinking (I think).  Don't completely get rid of the bookstore.  Consolidating that part of campus (bookstore and admin services) somehow onto the "main" part of campus would be beneficial in the future, which probably means more construction...but I would see why UAS wants out of that current complex.  Maybe a NEW BUILDING would help with this and office/classroom space issues.

   If the future is electronic text books, how will the bookstore fit into the picture?

   Cheaper school supplies. Moving on campus would be nice, or have a mini school supply only outlet on main campus.

   Less knick knacks, what is that all about?

   The general impression I have made of the UAS bookstore is that it's focus has first and foremost been a giftshop, and second a bookstore. I would like to see more focus on the actual purpose of this bookstore, instead of jewelry and dreamcatchers, or whatever hippy merchandise takes up the majority of the front space, rather than going through a giftshop to find books in the far back corner with shitty lighting. Also, the location is damned inconvenient, walking from campus all the way down to the store is a bit inconsiderate to carless students who do not live on campus.

   I wish the textbooks were less expensive. HOWEVER, I used to work at the bookstore and I know they actually lose money by selling the textbooks, so it would probably be better for them to raise the prices (if they could)! So, the only thing I might suggest is to have a small corner of the bookstore turned into a meet/greet area with a small barista stand. It would bring in some extra customers, leave room for book signings (which has always been hard in past years), encourage students to come by more often (especially if the coffee was cheaper than Waffle Co's!), and perhaps even be a place where local musicians could play for the store and, therefore, bring in even more revenue! Just a thought. :)

   It's always helpful to have textbooks at affordable prices. Also, I don't see why more used textbooks aren't available. Students are poor. When I first went into the bookstore to buy books, I couldn't even see the textbook section. It doesn't seem like education is much of the focus of the bookstore.

   Bring it to campus!  Perhaps place a more competitive price point as there are more competitive places.  Incorporate coffee drinks as part of sales.  More juneau made products. . .

   A cash machine would be very nice, and I've wished Sara would carry Republic of Tea, or similar brand. Since Sara sells a lot of art supplies, it would be super if space was allotted for consignment of student art and/or ceramics. If the bookstore space is repurposed, something really lacking in the building is space for a quiet room that isn't just a wide spot in the traffic pattern that could be used for actual stress relief, such as yoga, taichi, meditation, etc.  I envision low light, ambient music, a tabletop fountain with comfortable seating for two or three and space for two or three yoga mats.

   Moving it to main campus would not only drive sales but be an available resource for students.

   Coffee shop in bookstore.  I know would compete with Waffle Co., but if move bookstore back to campus . . .

   Please consider outsourcing online book purchases; having computer terminals in the bookstore so that staff can assist students/parents in purchasing books, or we can self-help. Please also buy all the books back that you sell; it's just not nice when a class requires 10 novels and I can't sell one of them back!

   N/A

   You may make money off renting books because students already to it from places outside of Juneau. It doesn't really both me, but it seems kind of silly that it isn't located on the main campus. Is this to try to make money off non UAS customers? If so it seems like the students should be the priority. If you want to but a pen or a notebook in between classes you have to spend 20 minutes walking there and back currently.

   less expensive books

   Better Location.  Lower prices to fit a university student's budget.

   Price, price, price. When books can be found at a fraction of the cost through amazon & half.com, it's a no-brainer as a student who plans ahead to order online. Especially on used books that you bought back at a fraction of what it was sold for.

   The brick and mortar bookstore is awesome. I wouldn't change much. It would be nice to see electronic textbook options, and the current website is too rigid. There should be options that let vendors compete for the best price, etc. That's what people are going to do anyway.

   Textbooks aside, the prices of art supplies, supplemental books, supplies, etc. are atrocious. Why would I pay $3 for a notebook at the bookstore when I can just get a 99 cent one at Fred Meyers?

   It would be nice if the books were more affordable. I'd prefer to purchase my books on campus, but I can't justify spending sometimes twice as much as purchasing them online.

   Move it back on campus.

   They should either get rid of the "drop your backpack here" box OR move it inside, preferably behind the counter - no one feels comfortable leaving their backpack lying around, especially not in the entryway, while they shop. Also I think prices for college merchandise (like sweaters) should be lowered! We're already attending the school and it feels unfair that we have to drop $40 on a piece of clothing that we want already that's basically providing free advertisement for the school when we wear it around.

   Lowering prices to match the competitive online market.  Personally, when I ordered my graduation invitations from the UAS bookstore, I thought they could have been much nicer.  Not only were they not on very prestigious looking paper, but they had been folded so terribly that I was embarrassed sending them out.  I would recommend to anyone to make their own graduation invitations after getting mine in that condition.

   STOP RIPPING STUDENT OFF. WE ARE POOR.

   Wider general book selection to pick up some of the slack that will be left by Hearthside closing.

   Location!

   LOWERED PRICES

   I'm not sure. I've only used it a couple of times.

   Maybe cheaper books?

   I know it is part of doing business in Juneau, but the bookstore is REALLY expensive. But, this is also to be expected for a college campus service.

   It's already a great little store, I think it would get utilized more for buying supplies and such if it were actually on campus.

   better prices

   Selling useful supplies for full time students. i.e. food, cleaning supplies, boots...

   Renting books and ebooks

   Commit to support for revising the current system of publishing and pricing texts.

   Free coffee? Invitational champagne brunch shopping events?

   Use one of the empty classrooms as a book store, why waste the money renting another building?

   move the bookstore onto the campus, it is impossible to get to between classes for merchandise you may have forgotten to bring. also make it bigger, the aisles can be to tight to move through effectively.

   Moving it to campus for easier access for students.

   self service checkouts