Innovative ideas keep Book Shop on top

Across the nation, it used to be that all textbooks were bought and sold at the campus bookstore. With the advent of the Internet, however, Web sites like Amazon and Ebay have introduced new — and often lower priced — competition.

Despite the new competition, the Luther College Book Shop remains strong and innovative in the bookselling world.

“Five years ago, 60 percent of our gross income was from text books and 40 percent was from others, and that’s consistent right now,” Book Shop Director James Haemker said.

The Book Shop’s unique relationship to its customers may be a reason for that consistency, according to Haemker.

“The primary function of the bookstore is the same as it’s always been, to promote and support the education of our students,” Haemker said. “Any surplus funds at the end of the year go back into the institution.”

Though many people may look to outside sources for good deals, the best deal may actually lie in the Book Shop because some of the money spent goes back to Luther.

Besides helping support the college financially, the Book Shop also sponsors other activities on campus, including holiday-themed dioramas, Wii bowling, Dancing with the Stars, a spelling bee, and author signings.

“It’s a place you get all of your Luther apparel, books, but it also helps with the sense of community,” Tricia Gunderson (‘12) said. “I think a lot of people would miss it if we didn’t have it.”

In order to remain competitive, the Book Shop staff is considering several new and innovative marketing campaigns. The Book Shop is looking to making electronic textbooks available next fall, and in the future, there is the possibility of textbook rentals for some courses.

Also under consideration is the Espresso book machine. Currently being used on a trial basis by 10 institutions in Canada, the book machine would be able to print books here on campus, saving students both time and money.