Bookstores on Indiana University campuses across the state will soon have a fresh look and feel, thanks to a new partnership with Follett Higher Education Group.

Changes include an innovative rental program that can save students up to 80 percent compared to new course materials, as well as a new course materials process designed to make things easier for both students and faculty.

The decision to partner with Follett followed a full process that included a committee of key university stakeholders for review and selection.

“IU’s decision to partner with Follett was based on shared values and common goals that will directly support student success,” said Valerie Gill, associate vice president for business partnerships at IU. “Follett’s innovative approach to campus retail, e-commerce capabilities and affordable course materials will help support a successful higher education experience for IU students.”

Follett is expected to assume the university’s bookstore operations later this spring. Further details about the transition — including a detailed timeline and how the transition will affect course materials adoptions — will be shared via IU Today and directly with faculty. Staff members involved in course materials selection can find additional details about the transition, as well as an FAQ, through UITS.

Pat Usher, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Follett, said the new partnership is significant.

“As a proud IU alumnus, it’s an honor to serve the institution that gave so much to me,” Usher said. “Our Follett team will work tirelessly to give IU students, faculty and campus community members a collegiate retail experience that exceeds expectations.”

Enhancements the IU community can expect to see:

• A new, streamlined course materials process with Follett Discover, which provides online access to all course materials. Faculty can use the tool to research and adopt materials from more than 6,000 publishing partners, while students can easily view, shop for and access needed materials.
• Upgrades to the online IU store, giving students and fans 24/7 access to classroom materials and IU fan merchandise.
• A significant investment into the retail location on the Bloomington campus, capitalizing on its space inside the Indiana Memorial Union, with expanded merchandise offerings, upgraded fixtures and open seating concepts. Expanded product assortments and updated branding, signage and store layouts are also expected for IUPUI and regional campus bookstores, as well as additional capabilities like print-on-demand for IUPUI and regional athletics.

During the 2020-21 academic year, students within the Follett network saved more than $113 million through Follett’s text rental program and $127 million through its digital options.

Follett has nearly 150 years of experience in the education industry, with more than 1,100 campus store partnerships across the U.S and Canada.

Since 2007, IU campus retail has been operated by Barnes and Noble. The transition does not affect IU Fort Wayne.

Bethany Nolan is a senior communications consultant in the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing.