The College of the Redwoods Board of Trustees have approved a plan to work with Barnes and Nobel’s MBS Textbook Exchange (MBS) to launch a new online bookstore in time for the spring 2020 semester. The partnership will allow the college to reduce course material costs and provide an innovative and customized retail environment for the District.

In addition to its extensive library of new books, MBS also has one of the largest inventories of used books in the industry, ensuring that students and faculty will have access to a broad suite of affordable new, used and digital course materials.

CR’s Director of Administrative Services Ericka Barber explains, “College of the Redwoods looks forward to a long-lasting relationship with MBS Direct as the recommended vendor for our innovative Virtual Bookstore Services.  We received very thorough proposals from three (3) vendors; MBS Direct stood out above the rest, as the most beneficial to our student body.  Both College of the Redwoods and MBS Direct look forward to a successful rollout of these services in spring 2020.”

The college is working with MBS to make online ordering accessible to all students through conveniently located kiosks at the three main educational sites. Students can have books delivered to them at home or pick them up on campus, free of charge. At the end of the semester, students can use the same free service to sell back textbooks online.

“I do like the option to ship books to one’s house,” said CR student Sarah Endsley. “This option I am sure will contribute to much shorter lines.”

CR President Dr. Keith Flamer is confident that the new system will work well for students, adding, “The College is pleased to collaborate with MBS to provide a virtual bookstore and marketplace. The decision clearly aligns with our strategic vision to establish partnerships that enhance student success.”  

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