A New Chapter for Campus Bookstore

For years, the semi-annual trek of the Yeshiva college student to the campus bookstore has been accompanied by a heightened sense of anxiety and trepidation. Undermanned and overworked, the bookstore's staff faced trouble handling the needs of a growing undergraduate student body. Beyond the physical limitations of the bookstore, many students were bothered by what they claimed was the almost hostile attitude of the bookstore staff towards questions or problems posed by early semester book purchases. Whether the complaints were warranted or not, there has been a visible attempt by the bookstore's ownership to improve the general service of the store.

Although the sign hanging atop the bookstore reads "YCSC Bookstore," ownership maintains no formal ties to the current student council administration. YCSC President Dror Barber reaffirmed that the store's designation was imprecise, asserting that no official relationship exists, rather, the sign is a throwback to the bookstore of decades ago when the student council owned and operated the bookstore.

Indeed, the Collegiate Bookstore Association owns the current store. The CBA is a nationwide chain of on-campus stores providing academic material at the university level. When asked about the recent changes, the store's acting manager noted that ownership of the store had not changed. Rather, upper-level management hired new personnel to work at the bookstore in response to student complaints over the previous management.

The most notable change in the store is the new staff behind the counter. A bit of inconsequential remodeling was undertaken but did little to alter the character of the store. Of greater importance, the store changed its attitude toward dealing with teachers getting enough books in, and on time. Accompanying the shift in focus was a new way of dealing with students. "Service with a smile," is the new motto, and it has not gone unnoticed.

The students have met the new personnel and change in atmosphere of the bookstore with praise. Ari Engel, a YC Junior, is a computer science major who relies on the store for deep discounts on computer books. He noted that "there is a definite change in the way that the store's staff deals with students. I think that it's a positive one." This sentiment was echoed by Elli Kryksman, also a junior, who contrasted his experience this year with the trouble he had last year. "There is a definite willingness now, on the part of the people working there, to help you out if necessary. Last year you almost felt that if you needed to ask a question from the staff you were infringing on their time."

While the overall impressions of students regarding the bookstore were positive, continuing problems were nonetheless raised. Many students noted that the bookstore, despite the recent improvements, is a poor example of what a top-tier university bookstore should look like. "On other campuses, the bookstore is a source of academic and living material throughout the school year, said a student." While still lacking, most students are pleased with the modest improvements.