In response to the on-campus LifeWay store closing at Union University, the school will now offer an online alternative for textbook purchasing.
Starting around June 2019, just in time for the summer term classes, eCampus.com will be Union University’s new full-service online bookstore.
eCampus.com was chosen as the new provider because the website can provide textbook needs for the university without needing a physical space on campus.
“We are confident in using eCampus.com because they currently service well over 100 universities – from very large ones to ones of our size,” said John T. Netland, provost and vice president for academic affairs.
The university went to extreme measures to provide the most secure and cost-efficient option for students to buy their books and other products.
“They are truly committed to great service,” said Netland. “One of the reasons they really stuck out to us was that they are not far away. We are really excited about this.”
One of the reasons eCampus.com was chosen is because the company is in close proximity. Based out of Lexington, Kentucky, the company has a large warehouse and is able to ship and deliver books within a day if needed.
They work with every major publisher and can get any book available at a sensitive price. Online, students will visit a unique website specifically created for Union. Once on the website, students can purchase textbooks at the best possible price from five different options similar to online stores like Amazon.com: new, used, marketplace, ebook and rental.
“It is unfortunate that the LifeWay store on campus is closing,” said Hayes Bell, sophomore accounting major and vice president of finance for SGA. “However, I am looking forward to using the new online bookstore. I think it will be more cost efficient, and I like that I will have different purchasing options to choose from.”
There will also be book buyback opportunities for students to sell their textbooks. During finals week this spring, eCampus.com will be on campus to give students the opportunity to sell their textbooks.
Regarding spirit wear, Netland assured that the university is committed to ensuring that there will be something in place by the fall.
Students are encouraged to watch for further communication from the university regarding the new bookstore and the upcoming textbook buy-back opportunity.
