June 21, 2007

UAB and Barnes & Noble are teaming up to operate the official bookstore on the UAB campus. Beginning July 1, 2007, Barnes & Noble will manage the bookstore in the Hill University Center.

“This relationship will allow us to enhance the bookstore services we provide to our faculty, staff and students,” said Richard Margison, vice president for financial affairs and administration. “Additionally, Barnes & Noble is providing $25,000 annually to assist our students with the cost of books.” UAB is working to establish the process for applying for these scholarships. Barnes & Noble also has said that students are welcome to apply for employment opportunities at the bookstore.

In the coming year, Barnes & Noble will invest $600,000 in physical and technological upgrades to provide better service to the UAB community. By spring 2008, students should be able to electronically purchase books at the time of online class registration that correspond with their classes.

Barnes & Noble also has committed to ensuring a large selection of UAB merchandise is available in the bookstore.

“We are beginning to see an emerging trend of universities working with large book sellers for the operation of their on-campus bookstores,” Margison said. “The sellers have the systems in place to provide optimal service to our customers.”

“Barnes & Noble College Booksellers is ecstatic to be a partner with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Our goal is not only to serve the students, faculty and staff, but the community as well,” said Brian Stark Vice-President of Stores. “We will bring a Barnes & Noble trade and reference books section to the center of UAB and a variety of school spirit and unique gift items as well. Barnes & Noble at UAB will be the student’s first choice for textbooks.”