The UTM Barnes and Noble bookstore will be relocating to a new home.
John Abel, Interim Director of the University Center, said the bookstore is planning to move from its current location on the second floor of the UC to room 112 on the first floor sometime in 2014.
“We’re hoping by May of next year. Might even be a little bit before that,” said Nancy Yarbrough, Interim Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration
Yarbrough said that the move wouldn’t take long.
“We don’t think that it’s going to take all that long. It will be ready by fall for sure. That is what the plan is,” Yarbrough said. “I can’t imagine that it wouldn’t be (ready) because the empty space can be worked on any time since we’re not using it. They can begin working on it once the contract is signed, and we’ve got everything worked out how everything is going to be laid out. When it’s ready, it’s just a matter of moving.”
Yarbrough said that the move would make it more accessible for students, and it might feature a lounge area where students could come in to drink coffee or read. It could also feature a charging station.
“I feel this will be a great opportunity to enhance our services to better serve the students and campus needs,” said Mara Burton, the bookstore manager.
Students and vice chancellors are being asked of their opinions on what to put into the new bookstore, as well as what to do with the former area.
“This summer, Barnes and Noble shared with us a draft relocation proposal. They wanted to follow up by conducting focus groups with students during the fall semester to finalize their plans. I am currently working with Barnes and Noble to schedule these focus group meetings,” said Abel.
The plans for the former space are still up in the air.
“We asked the various vice chancellors to submit proposals for that area. I think that whatever will happen, it will be for student services of some type. I’ve seen requests for student government, any kind of student organizations, student success center and a multi-cultural center. The proposals will be presented to the chancellor’s staff,” said Yarbrough.
