UAS Bookstore Survey

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

   Valid Missing Mean 70 0 NA As a local student : 0 As a distance (eLearning) student : 0 As an instructor : 0 University employee : 70 Member of the public : 0

 

2. Please indicate where you live:

   Valid Missing Mean 70 0 NA UAS Housing : 1 Juneau community : 68 Outside of Juneau : 1

 

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 70 0 NA Very helpful : 12 Somewhat helpful : 10 No opinion : 11 Somewhat unhelpful : 6 Very unhelpful : 1 I have never used the web site : 30

 

4. How do you usually buy your text books?

   Valid Missing Mean 51 19 NA Juneau campus bookstore : 17 Juneau online bookstore (MBS Direct) : 4 Other local bookstore : 1 Other online bookstore : 12 Whoever has the best price : 17

   Comments:

   Selected: Juneau online bookstore (MBS Direct) Students in my classes order online and rent them electronically

   Selected: Whoever has the best price amazon.com

   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.

   NA

   Selected: Juneau campus bookstore If I am taking classes, which I haven't for a while!

   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: Other online bookstore a lot less expensive to order from ebay, half.com, or amazon

   Selected: Juneau campus bookstore I'm not a student, but have, on occasion, purchased a text book for personal use.

   Selected: Juneau campus bookstore I rarely need textbooks at this stage.

   As a student I use MBS Direct associated with whichever campus is offering the class ... I also use CourseSmart if the book is available electronically

   I don't buy textbooks.

   I have not bought text books in Juneau. I'm not sure how my son bought his. Some were new and some were used.

   not applicable

   I don't purchase textbooks.

   not a student, do not purchase text books

   Selected: Other online bookstore Amazon is my go-to for all the books I need for class.

   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.

   N/A

   n/a

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

   Selected: Other online bookstore Generally less expensive through amazon.com

   Selected: Other online bookstore I am not currently a student so I am not buying textbooks.

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

   Selected: Whoever has the best price Amazon

   The times I've used the site, they didn't have what I needed.

 

5. I use the campus bookstore to purchase:

   Valid Missing Mean 70 0 NA Textbooks : 19 School supplies/backpacks : 29 Art supplies : 26 Clothing : 45 General books : 19 Gifts : 52 I do not shop at the campus bookstore : 7 Other : 4

   Comments:

   Selected: I love the selection of gifts available at the UAS Bookstore. I often see locals shopping there and imagine that it attracts visitors to Auke Bay in the summer too.

   Selected: Gift cards for University functions, serves as prizes

   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: When I'm in Juneau

   Selected: I do not shop at the campus bookstore My son bought text books, school supplies, and art supplies for his art class.

   Selected: Have always been impressed with the varied merchandise, customer service and general attractiveness of the store.

   Selected: Water Bottles & Mugs

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

   Selected: Gifts I like the gift items they carry but are generally more expensive than elsewhere.

   Selected: I do not shop at the campus bookstore I've browsed but have not bought anything

   Selected: Every once in a while, we purchase UAS items from the bookstore to use

   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: UAS merchandise to promote UAS, and greeting cards

 

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

   Valid Missing Mean 67 3 NA Yes : 1 No : 66

 

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

   Valid Missing Mean 51 19 NA

   Comments:

   Books by local authors & related events / book signings Clothing & merchandise All the nice gift items in the front of the store

   School supplies and clothing with UAS logo

   local artists showings

   The variety of UAS logo clothes

   I love the selection of gifts available at the UAS Bookstore. I often see locals shopping there and imagine that it attracts visitors to Auke Bay in the summer too. I think it should stay exactly as it is.

   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.

   Location

   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.

   Varity of gifts and UAS Logo items.

   The many options of clothing, UAS Gear

   The variety of gift and clothing items as well as basic supplies.

   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.

   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.

   It looks really nice.

   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.

   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.

   Being able to purchase UAS logo material, little gifts.

   Selling books by local authors.

   The bookstore is inviting and interesting. Great logo-wear, art by local artists.

   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.

   unsure

   Quaint, cozy colorful atmosphere

   It's a place convenient to classes for students to buy textbooks, school, and art supplies.

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

   As I'm not a student I can only speak to the other merchandise.  The variety and quality is appealing for gifts etc. I have heard many positive comments from members of the community who enjoy shopping there and would probably access it less if it were moved to campus...I've always appreciated the good customer service.

   Welcoming environment; I'm not a student, but the services /purchases I do use have always been great.

   The lighting and inviting atmosphere is great! The selection of clothing, mugs, gifts, etc. is wonderful. The large size of the store is very nice. It's great the bookstore has grab and go items (pens, thumb drives, etc.)that students need for class, but the distance from main campus is not at all ideal.

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

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

   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.

   An outlet for student art and UAS memorabilia

   T shirts, etc.

   UAS logo merchandise

   Warm, friendly atmosphere.

   Students can actually buy books for classes in person.  This is especially helpful if they change classes at last minute. The Bookstore is also a good place to buy logo wear, graduation gifts and general gifts. It is also a place that the community can interact with UAS.

   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.

   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.

   The gifts and art supplies

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

   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.

   Our logo wear!

   The variety of items and local art.

   Love the location and the community presence. Visual appeal

 

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

   Valid Missing Mean 40 30 NA

   Comments:

   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.

   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.

   I like what Sara has done with the Bookstore and feel that she should be allowed to continue providing the services she has in place. The creative gifts and display creativity help to attract the locals and tourists, and gives students a tax free place to shop on campus.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   ?

   Closer to campus- biggest complaint, is its to far away for students to venture too. They would like something closer on campus, maybe a kiosk

   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.

   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 move the bookstore back on campus.

   No longer needed. Books are way cheaper on Amazon.

   Just bring the prices down a little

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

   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.

   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.

   More centralized location that is still accessible by the public. Perhaps a kiosk for purchasing MBS Direct books, especially for students taking both face-to-face and eLearning courses. Perhaps some signature product, besides logo-wear, uniquely associated with UAS and not available anywhere else (akin to Cougar Gold cheese at WSU). UAA has a "Books on Bed" service. How cool is that? (http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/bookstore/Textbooks/books-on-beds.cfm)

   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.

   Online books and physical book selling.

   Don't have any merchandising ideas other than situating a book club there or readings etc.  With the possibility that we might be losing a bookstore in the valley am wondering if there might be some opportunity for selling more recreational books

   The location of the bookstore is not convenient for students. The roundabout construction made walking to/from the bookstore dangerous. When/If we get a Student Union building on campus - I'd love to see the bookstore relocated inside the Union. I'd like to see UAS clothing sold at Fred Meyer or Walmart, like you see in college towns across the U.S. Not only might this be more convenient for students, but it's great advertising to the community. I'd also love to be able to purchase UAS brand items (clothing, mugs, etc.) online at a well-designed easy to use website. This would be a great option for prospective students or parents/alumni living out of town who'd like to get some UAS logo items for themselves or as gifts.

   Less knick knacks, what is that all about?

   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.

   logo wear

   be on campus

   More community/campus engagement via activities or educational opportunities.

   An on campus location might be better.

   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 . . .

   Offer rental options.

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

   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.

   Location!

   The bookstore should be located on campus.

   Book rentals!!!