UAS Bookstore Survey

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

    Valid Missing Mean
    116 0 NA
    As a local student : 45
     
    As a distance (eLearning) student : 7
     
    As an instructor : 22
     
    University employee : 30
     
    Member of the public : 12
     
  2.  
  3. Please indicate where you live:

    Valid Missing Mean
    116 0 NA
    UAS Housing : 9
     
    Juneau community : 99
     
    Outside of Juneau : 8
     
  4.  
  5. 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
    116 0 NA
    Very helpful : 0
    Somewhat helpful : 0
    No opinion : 0
    Somewhat unhelpful : 0
    Very unhelpful : 0
    I have never used the web site : 116
     
  6.  
  7. How do you usually buy your text books?

    Valid Missing Mean
    94 22 NA
    Juneau campus bookstore : 34
     
    Juneau online bookstore (MBS Direct) : 6
     
    Other local bookstore : 2
     
    Other online bookstore : 22
     
    Whoever has the best price : 30
     
    Comments:
    Selected: Juneau online bookstore (MBS Direct)
    I wish this was local.....it comes from north or south caroline the shipping is huge.....I would rather by local but because the classes are on line this is my only way or amazon. I drop at least one thousand a semester on books and its too bad the money could not stay here local.
    Selected: Whoever has the best price
    amazon.com
    Selected: Other online bookstore
    I use amazon the most as they have cheap and used books.
    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: Other online bookstore
    the one time i tried to buy a required coursebook at the juneau campus store, it was out of stock, and i was told to wait two weeks.
    NA
    I order books for my classes through the bookstore
    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
    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 do not buy textbooks.
    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.
    I don't purchase textbooks.
    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.
    not a student, do not purchase text books
    I don't buy textbooks.
    Selected: Other online bookstore
    I am not currently a student so I am not buying textbooks.
    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: Juneau campus bookstore
    It is ALWAYS cheaper to find books online. However, shipping makes the process a little more unreliable than buying them at the bookstore, where books are far more expensive.
    N/A - Instructor
    Selected: Other online bookstore
    Amazon is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than this bookstore. I only use the store when extremely deaperate. This bookstore over prices absolutely everythig which is horribly inconvenient for a student on a budget.
    I am an instructor so I don't usually purchase textbooks.
    Selected: Other online bookstore
    Typically use Amazon.  The prices are better and the UAS bookstore rarely has what I need for the MPA program.
    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: 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: Other online bookstore
    MBS is an over-priced nightmare. I find that digital versions are significantly cheaper from the publisher websites (usually $80-$150 for ebook and required access). If there is no digital version I'lI buy from Amazon, usually for one third the price that MBS charges. Unfortunately, instructors seldom let students know about these cheaper options, which is a disservice to their students.
    Selected: Other online bookstore
    I have yet to find a better site to buy textbooks on than dealoz.com. They compare all the online vendors together to give you the best price. I rarely even bother to check the bookstore for my textbooks because even with shipping to Alaska, online is cheaper.
    Selected: Whoever has the best price
    Amazon Kindle 90% of the time
    Selected: Other online bookstore
    I use the UAS bookstore as a last resort. It's too expensive and Buy Back Week is a joke.
    I receive copies from the publisher.
    I receive free copy's from the publisher as an instructor
    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.
  8.  
  9. I use the campus bookstore to purchase:

    Valid Missing Mean
    113 3 NA
    Textbooks : 43
     
    School supplies/backpacks : 40
     
    Art supplies : 30
     
    Clothing : 53
     
    General books : 25
     
    Gifts : 60
     
    I do not shop at the campus bookstore : 16
     
    Other : 7
     
    Comments:
    Selected: Clothing
    I would love to buy my books local but online you go out of state.
    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: Other
    i rarely shop at the campus bookstore, and usually purchase school/art supplies there
    Selected:
    I frequently shop at the bookstore for gifts and myself.  I like the variety and uniqueness of the merchandise.  Being a UAS employee, I also like being able to get clothing with the UAS logo.
    Selected:
    This survey is aimed at students and so, most of these questions are not relevant to the rest of the community.  How does this tell you anything?
    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:
    I never buy textbooks at the bookstore, the prices and returns are outrageous however I enjoy their selection of gifts and university apparel.
    Selected:
    This is a response for question 6: financial aid and agency funding do not apply (should have had a bubble for that).
    Selected:
    room decorations(:
    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: Gifts
    Now that I think about it, I should get my parents UAS hoodies for Christmas.
    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.
    some textbooks
    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 do not shop at the campus bookstore
    I have not had the opportunity to shop at the bookstore since I just arrived in Juneau. I will shop at the bookstore in the future.
    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.
  10.  
  11. Do you use the bookstore to purchase books using financial aid or agency funding prior to disbursement?

    Valid Missing Mean
    112 4 NA
    Yes : 10
     
    No : 102
     
  12.  
  13. Looking ahead, what are the best things about the current UAS Bookstore that UAS should strive to preserve?

    Valid Missing Mean
    78 38 NA
    Comments:
    local artists showings
    The variety of UAS logo clothes
    Great fair-trade items.  Accommodating required texts for students.
    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.
    Location!!! Good, easy, accessible parking is a plus
    Location
    Its a great place to get some university clothing. However, I do not like the Ray Troll and wish there was more professional and more classic UAS logo wear.
    Diversity of reference books and other useful student items.
    The many options of clothing, UAS Gear
    location
    The variety of gift and clothing items as well as basic supplies.
    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.
    Ways to meet students' needs.
    The bookstore is in a prime location and gives UAS more visibility to the community.
    It looks really nice.
    Textbooks and UAS logo clothing
    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)
    Selling books by local authors.
    Books at competitive prices
    UAS clothing and UAS pride type inventory
    Fair trade gifts
    Nothing. It is a dinosaur.
    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.
    It's a place convenient to classes for students to buy textbooks, school, and art supplies.
    UAS-logo-wear
    The logo promotional items (clothing, mugs, etc.) and local art. Cruise ship tourists have asked specifically about the university bookstore so it's a great place to promote both our city and UAS.
    The section with the books by local and UAS faculty
    I'm told that UAS has the best stock of art supplies in Juneau.
    local knowledge
    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.
    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.
    Welcoming environment; I'm not a student, but the services /purchases I do use have always been great.
    The current bookstore has a really nice atmosphere - inviting to all shoppers, not just students needed textbooks. That boutique feel should remain.
    Hip vibe.
    The T-shirts
    Organization is very good
    UAS logo merchandise
    UAS logo items, variety of art supplies
    The general book section.
    UAS theme clothing items to sell as gifts.
    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 options of non-book items. It is a great "gift store"
    been in there once
    The beautiful, funky spirit of the gift shop
    idk
    Good presentation. Competent and friendly staff. A positive UAS presence off campus. Good marketing opportunity during the summer visitor season. Great variety of merchandise. Appreciate the Saturday hours.
    I don't know
    Diverse selection of goods
    I love the fair trade items, location, school and art related materials.
    Pride in the UAS concept and campus.
    The availability of books for classes, but at a lower prices than the current one, if possible
    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.
    Our logo wear!
    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!
    I do love the variety of items at the UAS bookstore. I even bring my out-of-state family and friends there when they visit.
    Nothing The store is highly unorganized and is filled with useless things. have it more geared toward the school.
    Nice gifts and UAS clothing
    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
    Please continue to stock:  Eclectic, fair trade, and sustainable gifts.  UAS apparel
    Good location.
    I do not have enough information to answer this question.
    Need to lower prices, stop trying to make money and focus on helping students
    The vibe, the excellent product selection, the relevant materials for the semester.
    The diversity of the products available and the *extremely* helpful    staff.
    I like the variety of merchandise available
    it's important to have course textbooks in hard copy available on or near campus.  
    Hard to find books, like the Mecklenburg guide to fishes, etc.
    Authorizing people calls in to pay for textbooks using a credit card.
    UAS branded items (clothing)
    Lots of cool school supplies
  14.  
  15. Looking ahead, what changes or new or enhanced services should UAS consider for the bookstore?

    Valid Missing Mean
    69 47 NA
    Comments:
    what ever class there is there should be a way to keep the money local to uas and not the lower 48 where 50 dollars a book for shipping is added,......
    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.
    More of a bookstore--with books that are not required texts, but of interest intellectually.
    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.
    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.
    I feel like more students would use the book store more if it was on the main campus. I know when it moved I really stopped going there. It is just as easy to go a store to get supplies, and they seem to have a better price. I think if there is ever a student union built, relocating the book store to that building on campus would help greatly. I would like to see more done with the logo wear too.
    Prices, the bookstore should strive to make its offerings more affordable.
    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
    get some more affordable items, and sell more UAS clothing and paraphernalia
    Would it be more convenient for the students, if the bookstore were located on campus?
    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?
    Should be on the main campus.  Needs to figure out how to compete with online sales and rentals.
    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.
    No longer needed. Books are way cheaper on Amazon.
    More Ray Troll/UAS designs on clothing. Also, more student/teacher artworks should be displayed here, for sale or otherwise.
    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.
    Move it back on the main campus.  Too out of the way to get to very often.
    less kitsch
    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)
    None. Students buy there books through other less expensive online services.
    keep a bookstore on campus :)
    Most students will continue to buy textbooks online as it is considerably cheaper to do so.
    If the future is electronic text books, how will the bookstore fit into the picture?
    software And hardware
    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
    It would be great for the bookstore to be strategically located and have enough space for small venue events - readings, art  exhibitions, receptions, maybe even poetry or musical performance.
    Lower prices on books. Send this to the top.
    Can't think of any
    The amount for each book we get back; I sold a excelent condition book back and got less then half of the price back.
    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. . .
    cheaper prices on school textbooks.
    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.  
    Over pricing books and under pricing them at book buy-back.
    Moving it to main campus would not only drive sales but be an available resource for students.
    better service
    idk
    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.
    I don't know
    Pricea! Prices! Prices! Lower them and stop over pricing us on books! We are not rich.
    Be open the day after Thanksgiving for Christmas shopping. More books on SE Alaska especially if Hearthside changes its character.
    Better corner the used market to compete with online sales.
    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.
    Location!
    LOWERED PRICES
    Don't you dare make any!  It's the ideal store in the perfect location.
    None (I'm also graduating).
    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.
    I never sell my books back to UAS as their pay-back prices are so low. I get a better price reselling them online or in person. UAS needs to make it worth my while if they want more used textbooks options.
    better prices
    Should consider higher price for buybacks. $10 for a $270 textbook?
    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!!!
    Renting books and ebooks
    New staff. They're not the most welcoming.
    I do not have enough information to answer this question.
    I would like to see at least a few copy's of the texts we use in the Power Tech classes kept all year.
    Free coffee? Invitational champagne brunch shopping events?
    Use one of the empty classrooms as a book store, why waste the money renting another building?
    perhaps a book delivery system?
    The bookstore belongs on main campus.  
    Move it into the main UAS building, such as in the lobby where the coffee is made, and combine the two.
    Selling all products from the UAS bookstore online.
    More communication and responsiveness to academic programs.
    Moving it to campus for easier access for students.
    More variety of books
  16.  

Powered by UAS Online © 2008 University of Alaska