[Web4lib] If it sounds like a library, it might be...

[Ross Singer]

I don't think this will have much of an effect, honestly.  Georgia
Tech also outsources their university bookstore to B&N (with all the
same bells, whistles, fanfare and community bridging crap), but I
would argue it has very little effect on the traffic to the library
itself (possibly from the business school, but not much else).
Shortly after the deal with B&N, the library did a pretty extensive
renovation to the bottom floor.  It has what is basically the only
student computer lab on campus and a large commons area with coffee
shop.  Regardless of how you feel about these sorts of renovations,
the commons areas are generally packed.

I would say the hearts and minds are pretty happy with free stuff (or,
more accurately, "stuff they've already paid for") if it's the
slightest bit accomodating to the hearts and minds it's supposed to be
serving.

-Ross.

On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 9:46 AM, Bill Hudson
<bhudson at lancasterlibraries.org> wrote:
> This from a press release from Rutgers-New Brunswick, they are outsourcing
> their university bookstore to B&N:
>
> "In addition to the new and enhanced services and programs Barnes & Noble
> will bring to the university bookstores, the superstore will be a
> destination in itself. It will be a place for readings by renowned authors
> who can just hop off the train from New York or Philadelphia. It will be a
> comfortable gathering place and a stimulating venue for special events. The
> superstore at The Gateway will serve as a dynamic bridge between Rutgers and
> the residents of New Brunswick."
>
> "We are thrilled to have formed this partnership with Rutgers," said Max J.
> Roberts, president of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, Inc. "Working with
> Rutgers, we'll create a best in class collegiate superstore that will become
> a knowledge and cultural hub for the university and the New Brunswick
> communities."
>
> Draw your own conclusions. For me, it just means the competition for "hearts
> and mind's" (and tax dollars) just got a bit tougher.
> BH
>
> ****************************************************************************
> *
> Bill Hudson
> Deputy Administrator/Manager, Information Technology
> 1866 Colonial Village Lane, Ste. 107
> Lancaster, PA  17601
> 717-207-0500 ext. 1269
> http://www.lancasterlibraries.org <http://www.lancasterlibraries.org/>
> AIM: billhudson2008
>
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