The Daily Bulletin Archive

For longtime Buffalo State faculty, seeing the e-mail subject line “Get Your Textbook Orders in Now” might seem reminiscent of a parent’s nagging. But the staff at the Barnes & Noble at Buffalo State Bookstore has good reason to prod: they’re trying to save faculty and students money—and unnecessary headaches.

According to Lynn Puma and Kathryn Hanaka, the bookstore’s manager and assistant manager, faculty have been better about textbook-order deadlines in recent years—particularly with ordering via the store’s online database. But textbook orders continue to be a challenge. At the end of June, only 56 percent of orders were in for the fall 2008 semester. (N.B.: The preferred deadline for spring 2009 textbook orders is October 15. The bookstore has sent reminder e-mails and fliers to departments.)

“It gets really tricky for everyone when orders come in at the last minute,” Puma said. “Besides the logjam it creates on campus, the publishers are busy with all the other colleges trying to order books, too.”

But for those who place orders early, the benefits are many. First, faculty members can get what they need.

“New book reps can sometimes give confusing information, leading professors to purchase more expensive bundled packages that students don’t want,” Puma said. But the bookstore staff can work with vendors to secure only the necessary books or even portions of books at a much lower cost—if the orders are in early.

Second, early orders give bookstore staff time to secure more lower-cost used books through student buy-backs and used-book wholesalers. Demand for used books is high.

Third, early orders result in added convenience for students. Hanaka said some like to shop early to find the lowest prices, while others simply like to buy books early to get a head start on course material. Puma said more students are turning to the Web for ordering, and the bookstore processed a record 2,500 online orders last academic year—possible only because more faculty members got their orders in on time.

The bookstore encourages faculty to place textbook orders online, but is happy to also take orders via phone (878-5509) or fax (878-3063).

“Our online system shows the history of past orders,” Puma said. “Faculty members can make updates with the push of a button.”

Hanaka also recommends that faculty members visit the Faculty Center Network for help in choosing the right textbooks for courses. More details and a link to the network are available through the bookstore’s online site.

“The Faculty Center Network is helpful because it shows professors the books that other classes across the U.S. are using and also compares book prices,” Hanaka said.

Faculty members also must notify the bookstore to hold books by midterm-exam time; otherwise, the bookstore returns unsold books to publishers.

Hanaka said the Barnes & Noble at Buffalo State Bookstore is, first and foremost, a “community bookstore.” She enjoys seeing the many regulars who come to Java-U for a cup of coffee or to use the computer stations. But, she said, faculty and staff members enjoy many other perks:

• A 10 percent discount on select items at the campus bookstore and at the Barnes & Noble store at 1565 Niagara Falls Boulevard (through a discount card obtained on campus).
• Discounted regalia purchases and cap-and-gown rentals.
• Custom-made Buffalo State items (beyond what is on display in the store).
• Additional discounts for using purchase orders.

Puma said faculty members also enjoy the faculty authors section in the back of the store, near Java-U, as well as book signings and readings.

“Whenever you have a new book out, call us,” Puma said. “We’ll get the book in our system.”

In addition, the bookstore can work with departments to custom order books in conjunction with conferences or speakers who visit campus—and even plan to sell the books at the event if given adequate notice.

Hanaka said the bookstore’s staff and faculty members ultimately have the same goal: doing what’s best for students. It’s the driving force behind her belief that Barnes & Noble at Buffalo State is a community bookstore.

“Let’s work together to serve our students,” she said.