BBA Solutions works with more than 100 colleges and universities in 20 states, and the business continues to expand. In Arkansas, BBA operates bookstores at Philander Smith College, Arkansas State University-Newport, Henderson State University, and MSCC.
“One of the biggest issues our students face is the amount of money that they are asked to pay for textbooks,” said MSCC President Dr. Glen Fenter. “It’s certainly not a problem that is unique to us, but it’s one that has caused us a great deal of concern.”
Marcus Grisby, left, a BBA Solutions employee and Mid-South Community College student, helps fellow student Steven West with a purchase at the new bookstore.
“I’ve had students show me their tuition bill and their textbook bill, and the bottom line is that it costs more to buy books than it does to pay tuition at our institution. Some colleges would deal with that by saying, ‘That’s simple. Let’s just raise tuition.’ But that’s not the kind of solution that works for the people we serve.”
When the contract with the previous textbook management company neared its end, MSCC officials began looking for one dedicated to helping students stretch their educational dollars.
“We went into this conversation trying to find the best alternative to provide the most cost-effective book-buying opportunities to our students,” Dr. Fenter said. “We found absolutely no fault with the company we were doing business with other than that we wanted to make certain we were doing it as cost effectively as we could.”
After reviewing several options, the College settled on BBA Solutions.
“We had great companies trying to solicit our business, but we ultimately made the choice to go with a company which is building its presence on a number of campuses throughout the state, a company that is predicated on making certain that student-cost thresholds are as low as possible,” Dr. Fenter said.
The “new” bookstore, located in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Educational Excellence, opened its doors on Feb. 25.
“We are very happy to be at Mid-South Community College,” said Pat O’Brien of BBA Solutions’ Business Development division. “BBA will be working hard to lower the overall cost of textbooks to MSCC students. We will also be offering competitive prices to buy back books.”
According to BBA’s website, the company emphasizes on customer service, high efficiency, and low overhead.
James Ware is serving as bookstore manager, and Shari Cierzniewski is assistant manager. Ware can be contacted via email, jware@bbasolutions.com or msccbookstore@bbasolutions.com, or phone, (870) 733-6796.
BBA is encouraging MSCC students to visit the bookstore and to “like” its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/midsouthcommunitycollegebookstore.
“We will be giving away free stuff from time to time, so you don't want to miss out,” O’Brien said in an email to students. “We are happy to be on campus and want to help you save money!”
Normal operating days and hours for the bookstore will be Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Extended hours will be observed at the beginning and end of the semesters.
BBA Solutions started in 1996 when James and Terry Barnes established BBA Corporation. James, a graduate of Henderson State, believed he could provide better value to students by offering more used textbook options. He opened the Reddie or Not Bookstore as the off-campus solution for the college textbook market.
The following year, Textbook Brokers was established as the alternative for sales at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. The company changed its name to BBA Solutions in 2011 to reflect “our established culture of solution-minded management,” the website says. “Throughout the years, we have been innovators in the college textbook market, and that has led to our rapid growth.”
“Our competitive advantage in the college textbook business has been our culture. Our management team is completely in tune with the rapidly-changing needs of the college student. We don’t just follow the traditions of the past; we create new ones. Our customers want convenience at a fair price, and we have always provided the best value to the customer.”
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