SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — To better meet the needs of today’s busy students juggling on-the-go lifestyles, the Penn State Schuylkill Bookstore, managed by Barnes & Noble College, will transition to a digital-first experience this fall semester.
The new model will include online ordering, on-campus delivery of pre-ordered books each semester, on-campus pop-up events, and a vending machine stocked with the most in-demand school supplies and seasonal items. The new experience will provide students, faculty and staff with affordable course materials, convenience and a continued commitment to customer service.
“We’re very excited to offer Penn State Schuylkill students and faculty a convenient, online bookstore experience that will provide easy 24/7 access to school supplies and other items, in addition to on-campus pop-up events,” said Cathy Pacheco, director, stores, for Barnes & Noble College. “This digital transition will also allow Penn State Schuylkill to utilize the former bookstore as a community space that will enhance the student, faculty and campus community experience.”
This transition also opens an opportunity for something new on campus. In place of the physical bookstore, Penn State Schuylkill will debut "Art Space" — a place to experience a variety of art genres and other works. "Art Space" will evolve over time to include works and experiences created by visual and performance artists, actors, poets, filmmakers and more.
“A university campus is a place for expression, reflection, and self-exploration,” said Penn State Schuylkill Chancellor Patrick M. Jones. “We are thrilled to be bringing 'Art Space' to our students, faculty, staff and community members. I look forward to being both inspired and challenged by the various art works, productions, and experiences that will be presented.”
Frequently asked questions
Q: When will the transition to the new model begin?
A: Online ordering is available immediately at psu.bncollege.com. Students will be able to pick up fall 2023 textbooks and course supplies in the bookstore’s service location in the Business Services Building during Welcome Weekend and throughout the first week of classes. In order for books to be available for pick up during this time, students must place their online orders by Aug. 30.
Q: Will course materials be available online?
A: Yes, the Barnes & Noble College is dedicated to providing all required course materials and making them available and accessible to students each semester, helping students succeed. Students should navigate to their course schedule in LionPATH and click “View Books” to find what they need from the bookstore.
Q: Will students be able to purchase course materials online by using financial aid?
A: Yes, when the student goes to check out, there will be an option for using “Student Financial Aid.”
If the student is a recipient of federal aid funds, their approval is required to cover charges to the student account. Before making their purchase, students must navigate in LionPATH to “My Finances” to grant permission to use federal aid.
Q: Will students be able to purchase course materials online via a student account charge?
A: Yes, when the student goes to check out, there will be an option for using “Student Account Charge.”
Q: Will I be able to order specific Penn State Schuylkill merchandise?
A: Yes, Barnes & Noble College will be adding campus-branded merchandise, clothing and accessories to psu.bncollege.com, offering students, faculty, staff and alumni the convenience to shop online.
Q: As a faculty member, how will I submit course adoptions?
Faculty will continue to use Barnes & Noble College’s Adoption and Insights Portal available at aip.bncollege.com/app/. Questions can be directed to the store manager at [email protected].
Q: What supplies will be available in the Barnes & Noble vending machine?
The vending machine will offer school supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, Blue Book examination books, as well as seasonal items based on campus needs. Payment can only be made via credit/debit card.
Q: When will the pop-up events be held?
Pop-up events will be held at the start and end of every term, for students needing to pick up and return textbooks. Additional pop-up events will be held around admissions events and other times throughout the semester. These events will feature select merchandise, clothing and accessories.
The schedule for August’s pop-up events is:
Student Community Center
- Aug. 11: NSO 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Aug. 12: Open House 12:30–3 p.m.
Business Services Building, Room B-204
- Aug. 21–25: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Aug. 28–Sept. 1: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Q: Will there still be a discount offered to faculty and staff?
Yes, a 10% discount will be available to faculty and staff who present a valid Penn State ID+ card during the on-campus events. Payment can be made via credit/debit card or LionCash+.
