MySurvey

UAS Bookstore Survey

Please indicate how you principally interact with the UAS Bookstore:

Valid	Missing	Mean
106	0	NA

As a local student

As a distance (eLearning) student

As an instructor

University employee

Member of the public

Please indicate where you live:

Valid	Missing	Mean
106	0	NA

UAS Housing

Juneau community

Outside of Juneau

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
106	0	NA

Very helpful

Somewhat helpful

No opinion

Somewhat unhelpful

Very unhelpful

I have never used the web site

How do you usually buy your text books?

Valid	Missing	Mean
96	10	NA

Juneau campus bookstore

Juneau online bookstore (MBS Direct)

Other local bookstore

Other online bookstore

Whoever has the best price

Comments:

Selected: Juneau online bookstore (MBS Direct)

Students in my classes order online and rent them electronically

I am not a student who needs text books. But if I was, I would probably buy them at the U Book Store.

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: Juneau online bookstore (MBS Direct)

I compare prices but usually find that MBS Direct has the best prices and thanks to the class specific links I can make sure I get the correct items.

Selected: Juneau campus bookstore

If I am taking classes, which I haven't for a while!

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: Juneau campus bookstore

I rarely need textbooks at this stage.

I don't buy textbooks.

not applicable

Selected: Other online bookstore

I usually use Amazon or Half Price books,they are more than half the price of what the bookstore charges and they accept decent returns.

Selected: Whoever has the best price

Other online store, because they almost ALWAYS have the best price.

Selected: Juneau campus bookstore

I have used the Juneau online bookstore, too.

Selected: Whoever has the best price

I usually buy from Amazon.com.

n/a

Selected: Juneau campus bookstore

I purchase desk copies for faculty from the Juneau campus bookstore.

N/A - Instructor

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: Juneau campus bookstore

Only because I use financial aid, otherwise I would rather buy online or rent online for cheaper.

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)

I am an instructor so I don't usually purchase textbooks.

Selected: Whoever has the best price

I usually rent my textbooks online.

Selected: Juneau campus bookstore

There should be a more relaxed policy on book returns at the semesters beginning. They are really expensive. There should be a student discount for books and items in store. Especially the art materials. I really like the selection of art materials as well...bravo!

Selected: Whoever has the best price

I am an exchange student and it was my only option

Selected: Juneau campus bookstore

Sara Hagen is very helpful with this. She does her best to be precise and accurate in ordering, and she patiently clarifies every detail of the process.

Selected: Juneau campus bookstore

Everyone has always been friendly and helpful!

Selected: Juneau campus bookstore

I mainly buy my textbooks at the Juneau campus bookstore, but also Juneau online bookstore for distance classes.

Selected: Whoever has the best price

eBooks.

Selected: Juneau campus bookstore

I only do this because of the buy back...though I have been increasingly disappointed with the buy back rates of books. This semester, I bought books that I knew I would want to keep on a different site.

Selected: Other online bookstore

I find the bookstore prices to be very expensive. If I can't find a better price online, I buy from the bookstore.

Selected: Whoever has the best price

I use a variety of sources each semester.

Selected: Other online bookstore

Although for my Summer class, I had to purchase a required textbook.

I use the campus bookstore to purchase:

Valid	Missing	Mean
106	0	NA

Textbooks

School supplies/backpacks

106

Art supplies

Clothing

General books

Gifts

I do not shop at the campus bookstore

Other

Comments:

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:

I love shopping at the bookstore!

Selected:

The UAS Bookstore carries a wonderful selection of Fair Trade articles I feel good about buying and giving, and carries a nice selection of UAS logo gear and local art prints. The current location helps keep UAS in the consciousness of our "neighbors" in a positive way.

Selected:

I never buy textbooks at the bookstore, the prices and returns are outrageous however I enjoy their selection of gifts and university apparel.

Selected:

They have a really fun selection of school supplies and gifts, I'm always surprised by their fun selection.

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:

Great place to shop!

Selected:

I purchase items for both work and personal use from the campus bookstore.

Selected:

Even though it is really expensive

Selected:

room decorations(:

Selected:

Great variety of items

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 love the bookstore! I do my Christmas shopping and make most gift purchase there. I have also purchased, cards, art supplies, a briefcase, Campus book of the year.

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:

The store far exceeds the quality of local competition. The pens it sells are the best. My wife and I buy art supplies, handbags, great gifts, and books from a fine collection thereof.

Selected:

I love that you guys have yoga material to buy.

Selected:

I absolutely LOVE the gift selections - their inventory selector does a fantastic job of choosing quality crafts, cards, and many culturally unique and fair trade items. Also, the electronics are great - I got my son a set of those new digital pen/electronic paper for note-taking, and a good calculator. I get my personal calendar, and one for my student son there, too.

Selected:

UAS merchandise to promote UAS, and greeting cards

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.

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

Valid	Missing	Mean
104	2	NA

Yes

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

Valid	Missing	Mean
85	21	NA

Comments:

The ability to use financial aid to purchase things

School supplies and clothing with UAS logo

The variety of UAS logo clothes

Location!!! Good, easy, accessible parking is a plus

Location

Unique gift options

The warmth, variety and customer service.

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.

Website. Cheerful, upbeat atmosphere, school/class supplies for all subjects - especially art, ceramics, etc as those are hard to locate elsewhere locally.

For general reading books the FOTL bookstore beats everyone. I've not done textbook ordering, so I don't know who the purchaser has used. ( I assume the bookstore. ) Lovely gifts, though I've only bought ones there once or twice. The art supplies are very well priced. Better than the art stores in town.

location - availability to entire Juneau community - i.e. book readings and other events

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.

The bookstore is in a prime location and gives UAS more visibility to the community.

Textbooks and UAS logo clothing

Fun hats, fun jewelry, great backpacks/bags/purses, and awesome university bling

Great place for gifts!

I think the bookstore does a pretty good job, but think they could do w/o so much non-university artsy products and textiles.

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

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

the employees

Convenient access to school supplies and equipment, including specialty items like yoga bolsters (difficult to find in Juneau)and imprint items promoting UAS. While less "mission critical," I believe that the pleasant shopping experience is an asset to the neighborhood and reflects well on UAS. The bookstore has a reputation as a great place to shop for thoughtful and unique gifts and presents itself in an appealing way. I wouldn't underestimate the value of having an interface with the public that conveys the values of quality, creativity, and social responsibility.

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

University logo wear, supplemental books, well organized texbooks - when instructors don't list required books students can still locate them and purchase them before classes.

Quaint, cozy colorful atmosphere

at least HAVE one

It is nice to have a place to walk-in to shop at.

The section with the books by local and UAS faculty

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

Give students reimbursements that make a difference. A $20 return on a $150 text books is almost robbery. Of course students shop online instead of the store, the prices there are unacceptable.

I really like how colorful the bookstore is, as a student in Alaska there just aren't many other places to go that have the kinds of treasures they have. I appreciate their stock of art supplies, clothing, school supplies (including yoga), bags, and fair trade items. The staff is always very friendly and helpful and their location is perfect now that all the construction has stopped. I do wish they would make their new sign more clear, several visitors I have talked to get very confused because you can't see the lettering of the green part and they think the bookstore is the main campus. I would also really like it if they put a clock on the sign like their used to be.

nice staff.

Staff,services and product-

Availability of text books and supplies for all UAS classes. This is also a great place for the public to shop. The gift section is a big draw for the community.

A physical location.

Personally, I like having a physical location, a place with the particular environment and community feel inherent in the bookstore.

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

It's a connection between the university and the community. Also, it is important for students to be able to buy supplies close to campus.

It's not crowded like it was when it was in Mourant. Good quality merchandise. The exhibited art work. Helpful staff.

The general book section.

UAS theme clothing items to sell as gifts.

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 options of non-book items. It is a great "gift store"

Used books,supplies, art supplies,clothing and gifts. I think the bookstore should have some sort of a campus presence, but I also think it should maintain a presence in Auke Bay,which keeps the university connected to the entire community of Juneau.

Left-handed notebooks and rain gear. :)

Find a way to have enough text books for students
Cut costs of books - can go on line and get the same book for cheaper, and when you buy the books back you get nothing for them might as well donate. or keep them.....

idk

I like how you can ask what books you'll need for certain classes.

The gifts and art supplies

textbooks and uas culture items one stop shop for campus. online

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

variety of items

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.

I love the fair trade items, location, school and art related materials.

Customer service is fantastic

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.

Good source of fair trade and UAS branded products. It's pretty limited as a bookstore, so having other kinds of merchandise is a plus.

I love the the Bookstore provides a University presence in the community of Auke Bay. I feel like it's a community store, and not a University resource. I recommend all my friends visit there for book choices, and all my out of town guests go there as well. University bookstores have an appeal to anyone who has ever attended college, whether they graduated from UAS or not.

international items and art supplies and books,

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

The manager, her excellent assistants (especially Beth Genaux and Sarah Thrower), the general selection of books, the pens, the great gift items, the art supplies, the handbags, and the atmosphere. If I were feeling low, just walking into that store would be better than seeing a therapist. Don't mess with that store!!!

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

The staff was always helpful, so keep them!

Great service and unique gifts

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

Nothing The store is highly unorganized and is filled with useless things. have it more geared toward the school.

The people that work there and resources available.

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.

They should definitely keep the gift section, UAS clothing, and general supplies in tact. I feel the whole textbook industry should be renovated to better suit the needs of the students, and until that is done, the UAS bookstore will still have problems.

The combination of book and gift store - it's important to be more than just a textbook outlet. I've been to many colleges across the country, and all of the good ones had similar combination - fine arts and educational supplies.

Love the location and the community presence. Visual appeal

its good environment, cool stuff, and textbooks

The unique gifts available to the public to purchase. I also appreciate the art supplies, exercise stuff, and clothes. It is my favorite store for gift shopping.

There are a lot of cool gifts and art supplies here, I would hate to lose that.

Colored Graphite, good pencil and pen selection, cheap price for pencil graphite.

its location to campus

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

The cool stuff they have

The diversity of the products available and the *extremely* helpful staff.

customer service and Alaska spirit

friendly staff, great merchandice

Authorizing people calls in to pay for textbooks using a credit card.

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

Valid	Missing	Mean
68	38	NA

Comments:

Lower more competitive prices

Having it on campus for students to easily access. Downstairs of Mourant was very convenient. I highly recommend it being on campus, particularly with freshman housing being built there. It is far away and not easy for them to access.

expand and have a coffee shop attached. Also more books and products to sell would be nice.

How about a weekly e-mail highlighting featured specials, artists, or new items. Do something so that when I think of Bookstore, I'm not just thinking books.

Do they have packaged snacks at all? More "green" products.

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.

Focus on students needs rather than gift items. The multitude of candles, purses, decor lighting, and other non-essentials seem more focused towards the public. Students have enough difficulty living within their means, bombarding them with pretty non-essentials in the student bookstore seems counter productive.

Not sure. Too bad it's not on main campus. I'm sure it would get more foot traffic. Can students get ice grippers there?

I would like to see more events...

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.

I'd like to see Admin. Services relocated to a more obscure location and a more student-centered/socially focused service replace that side of the building. I'm straying from the bookstore... the store could include more items that are needed by both students and Auke Bay community.

More Ray Troll/UAS designs on clothing. Also, more student/teacher artworks should be displayed here, for sale or otherwise.

Just bring the prices down a little

Move it back on the main campus. Too out of the way to get to very often.

less kitsch

The UAS Bookstore should first and foremost offer items required of students, books, school supplies, and UAS clothing and promo items and be accessible to students - i.e. ON CAMPUS!! Secondly, the UAS bookstore should promote UAS. It is a place where students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the community purchase items that align with the mission of UAS and promotes the UAS brand. Clothing should align with the UAS logo and Spike. Currently, clothing and promo items have no common theme and are all over the place - new logos, new graphics, and the Troll art. This varied approach only serves to dilute the overall UAS brand. Lastly, the UAS bookstore should highlight the work of our faculty.

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

On a functional level I think providing a small on-site location, even a kiosk in or near the classroom wing for basic supplies would be helpful to students. If they have to go off campus for a pen they're just as likely to go to Fred Meyer at this point. Given all the online ordering options for books, providing textbooks might be a diminishing need. On the other hand it could be awkward for incoming students who haven't yet established their residence to receive books through the mail in a timely way. I'm curious to hear what current students think and hope we will be guided primarily by their concerns and interests. Ultimately, the bookstore should serve the needs of the UAS community, students above all. (But I still really enjoy shopping there!)

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)

keep a bookstore on campus :)

The UAS bookstore does not represent the university as one would expect. Items and articles of clothing bearing the UAS Learn, Engage, Change logo are few and far between. More of this kind of thing could enhance the feeling of being part of a team and assist in efforts for increased student retainment.

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.

Online books and physical book selling.

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

It would be nice to be able to rent books over the course of a semester but I can't think of much else.

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

Perhaps consider a small, off-campus cafe/coffee shop attached to the bookstore.

Expand the selection of non textbook materials.

I suppose we need to convince our students to purchase their textbooks locally. Are books really just that much cheaper online? do online textbook clearinghouses pay more for book buy backs?
I feel like the bookstore could and should reasonably remain just that (i.e. a bookstore.) However, clearly students are not patronizing it enough, else I'm guessing this discussion would not be occurring. I feel like it would be shame to lose the bookstore as a physical place. Perhaps moving it onto campus would help change things? incorporate it into the proposed student union or something like that maybe.

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. :)

cheaper prices on school textbooks.

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.

Offer rental options.

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!

idk

They should have a book rental program like UAA.

a better being there experience online

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

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.

Be open the day after Thanksgiving for Christmas shopping. More books on SE Alaska especially if Hearthside changes its character.

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.

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

I think that the concept of buying textbooks from a physical location is going the way of the dinosaur, but I do not think we should remove a "store" presence from campus.

Help for people in low income bracket that isn't scholarship based but off of if you use food stamps.

LOWERED PRICES

Don't you dare make any! It's the ideal store in the perfect location.

None (I'm also graduating).

Maybe cheaper books?

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.

Should consider higher price for buybacks. $10 for a $270 textbook?

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

The UAS bookstore should look for a better way to do the buy back system. Currently I don't feel students are being properly compensated for returning their books at the end of semester. Maybe if they ramped up their general book section, they might get more business outside of the university.

Don't reduce it to just a books and UAS paraphernalia site please.
I know space is tight, but this book store is a real asset as it is!

Book rentals!!!

More art supplies. I also think UAS should advertise to the general public about what is available at the bookstore.

Maybe a used book area for students to operate, or a way for students to independently sell their books directly to other students. I know it would probably cause the bookstore to lose money, but it would help the community a lot.

Unknown.

Free coffee? Invitational champagne brunch shopping events?

Placing the bookstore at a more accessible location.

perhaps a book delivery system?

No comment

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.

Selling all products from the UAS bookstore online.

More communication and responsiveness to academic programs.