New bookstore vendor expected to deliver more cost savings to students

June 6, 2019 | Jim Townsend

University of Houston-Clear Lake’s bookstore will soon be under management of Follett Higher Education Group, the nation’s largest single source of books, digital content and multimedia for libraries, schools and institutions. The University of Houston System Board of Regents contracted Follett to manage all of the system’s bookstores.

The bookstore is scheduled to close briefly in late June to transition from Barnes and Noble, its current vendor.

“The University of Houston System has grown exponentially in the last nine years, which was when our current bookstore contract was initiated,” said Emily Messa, UH System associate vice chancellor for administration. “Technology has advanced and it was time to evaluate our options to ensure that we are delivering affordability and innovative, first-to-market initiatives in the university bookstores that serve more than 73,000 students across the UH System.”

UH regents chose Follett for its expansive inventory of affordable course materials and integrated digital ordering tools. Cost-saving print options include used books as well as a textbook rental program that can save students up to 80 percent compared to purchasing new.

Follett also offers students open educational resources, content and courseware, a diverse selection of digital technologies, price-matching and year-round buyback programs.

UH-Clear Lake faculty was notified of the changes in a recent email. Barnes and Noble has already transferred all pending course book orders to Follett. Follett is now the point of contact for filling book orders for summer II and for the fall 2019 semester.

Follett is expected to integrate its own online ordering system with Blackboard by spring 2020, which will enable faculty to order course materials online.