Clarke University Partners With Akademos to Launch New Hybrid Bookstore Model
Industry: Books
Liberal arts college at the forefront of national trend to optimize textbook services and affordability
Norwalk, CT (PRUnderground) January 31st, 2020
Clarke University, a nationally recognized liberal arts college with a focus on global awareness and social responsibility, has partnered with Akademos to deploy a hybrid online and on-campus college bookstore beginning with the Summer 2020 term. The university is on the forefront of a rising trend to separate the complex management of course materials from operating a campus store. As a leading online college bookstore and course materials solution provider, Akademos is well positioned to support their forward-thinking new hybrid model.
Formerly fully self-operated, Clarke University’s hybrid bookstore will allow students to order and access a wide selection of low-cost textbooks and other course materials online. With textbook services managed by Akademos, students can choose from new, used, eBook, and rental options, including discounted textbooks sold through third-party marketplaces. Textbooks and other materials may be delivered to a student’s residence, email, or to the physical store.
Clarke University will continue to operate a campus store, which will sell a range of branded clothing and other popular merchandise. By engaging Akademos to handle textbook adoptions, pricing, sales, and more, campus staff will be freed to market a mix of higher-margin merchandise, ultimately funneling greater profits into student programs.
“We decided to move to a hybrid bookstore model to give students more affordable textbook options and a seamless ordering process, while enabling us to improve the overall profitability of our retail operations.” said Beth McGrath, VP for Business and Finance. “After a thorough review process, Akademos stood out as the best partner for this win-win solution.”
Like thousands of institutionally-owned college and university stores throughout the US, Clarke University’s self-operated bookstore has been burdened by increasingly complex requirements. From negotiating prices with multiple publishers, to navigating state textbook regulations, competing with online sellers, and managing custom course packs and digital materials, fast-evolving textbook services demands can strain staff and resources.
Akademos will now handle the complexities of course materials management through a centralized online platform. For example, Akademos will provide a web portal for faculty to research and adopt the books they want to use, submit course materials, create course packs, and even estimate the cost to students. Clarke University students will have more options, with multiple formats, delivery options, and subscription-based materials available at 30 to 35 percent less than traditional brick-and-mortar bookstore providers.
“With more and more course materials going digital, the hybrid model is a future-proof strategy,” said Akademos CEO Raj Kaji. “Students gain greater savings and convenience, and campus stores are freed to focus on products and services that provide for the best and highest use physically.”
About Clarke University
Clarke University is a Catholic, coeducational, liberal arts college founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dubuque, Iowa. Clarke educates students at the postsecondary level in the liberal arts and sciences, the fine arts, selected professional programs, and graduate programs. The faculty, students, staff, and administration are a caring, learning community committed to excellence in education. Clarke provides a supportive environment that encourages personal and intellectual growth, promotes global awareness and social responsibility, and deepens spiritual values.
About Akademos
More than just an online bookstore, an Akademos technology-driven solution is a customizable bookstore experience every unique institution can benefit from. Whether the bookstore is a service for students or a revenue generator, the platform supports prioritizing readiness, textbook affordability, and retention with all models including Equitable Access, Inclusive Access, Student Choice, or a combination. All aspects of textbook and course material purchasing and delivery are taken care of so you can focus on what matters – student success. A true partnership – Akademos provides unmatched customer support along with access to tools and analytics needed to take each student’s college experience to the next level. Learn more at akademos.com.
