Students Review UMF’s New Virtual Bookstore

Kelsey Dunn – Contributing Writer

UMF students, faculty and staff have mixed reviews about the University Store’s new Virtual Bookstore.

Some students said their experience went smoothly, while others are experiencing frustration and anger towards the new modernization of the campus bookstore.

George Miller, the Director of Advising, sent out a student body email recently stating, “I’m hearing from quite a few students that they are having trouble getting their books in time to get their work done, or don’t have money for books.” He also urged students to get in contact with their professors if they still do not have their books as soon as possible.

Linda Leiva, a practicum lecturer, and supervisor of student teaching has had similar observations.

“I’ve noticed that students have not bought texts due to costs and feeling that the teacher won’t use the book as much in class as they say they would,” said Leiva. “Therefore, they either purchase used books that are cheaper or they borrow a book from their friends.”

Katie Grout, a freshman, describes her involvement with the Virtual Bookstore as being something she would not like to endure again.

“I don’t like the virtual bookstore at all. It took me a week and a half to get one book and my next textbook was ordered on August 28 but was not shipped until September 8,” she said. “I was very angry with this and I felt helpless because I couldn’t do my homework.” Grout, had ordered some of her books through the virtual bookstore and the others were through Amazon.

Amber Chesley, a UMF sophomore, was puzzled when she first attempted to order her books through the virtual bookstore. “[Ordering] got easier due to previous experience ordering online. I heard from first-year students that it was confusing for them,” she said.

Chesley ordered all of her textbooks through the virtual bookstore this semester, although one of her textbooks was incorrect for one of her classes.

“I got the wrong book for one of my classes. All my books were delivered separately; two came in two weeks later than my other two books,” she said. “The books were in good condition.”

Aimee Degroat, the University Store manager, realizes that there are some problems with the first year of the Virtual Bookstore, but keeps a positive outlook.

“Although some orders were delayed due to hard findings, some books were back ordered at the publisher,” Degroat said. “The initial feedback from the community was well.”

Last year, the Flyer reported on the University Store using different business strategies and were considering turning to a virtual bookstore at the time.

To visit the Virtual Bookstore, go to www.umf.ecampus.com