UIS Bookstore settles in to its new location

Many students unaware of store's move to Founders Hall

Photo by Gary Smothers

October 15, 2008
By Gary Smothers
Staff Writer

It has been nearly three weeks since the UIS Bookstore moved from their old home in the Food Emporium and across the campus to Founders Hall.  The store seems to live up to its billing as spacious and eco-friendly.  More products, particularly clothing items, are available.  Many products one may have missed before due to the cramped quarters of the old site are now clearly visible.            

However, the move seems to have many students lost.  In a random survey of twenty students, sixteen were unaware of the UIS Bookstore’s new location.  But, of the four students knowledgeable of the move, they all indicated a positive response to it.

One freshman student, Kelly Vaughn, was one such pleased student.  “It’s nice.  It has more stuff that people need that they didn’t carry before.”

Another student, identifying himself as Vega, was also happy with the move.  “I really liked the way it’s laid out.  It’s a lot easier to access.  And, maybe because they’re not that busy, they help you right off the bat.”           

Amy Moser, Textbook Manager for nearly nine years, is excited about her new home and cites the double entrance, increased product lines, and positive student feedback as her reasons.  “I love it.  It’s very exciting and I’m ready for the challenge of a new location.”            

But it would seem as if many of the students are not nearly as excited about the new location and that, in fact, it is a challenge for them.  Comments from other students ranged from:  “I don’t know where it is” to “Where is Founders Hall?”            

The students who responded in a positive fashion report living nearby.  It remains to be seen in non-traditional students, used to accessing the UIS Bookstore through the cafeteria, will take to the new location.