Whether you are supplying print course materials, digital materials or a mixture of both, it is essential to ensure that students have convenient, affordable access to the materials they need each term. By providing a variety of course material format options, students are able to select the materials that best fit their budget and learning style.
Course Material Format Options Supported by MBS
Used books
MBS has one of the largest inventories of used books in the nation. Utilizing numerous inventory channels, we have a constantly evolving selection of used textbooks. As a great low-cost textbook option, used books are often in high demand. Maximize your fill rate by leaving and reworking your want list with MBS for as long as possible.
New books
Did you know you can also get discounted new book inventory from MBS? That means you can save money when you order new inventory from MBS and consolidate textbook shipments coming to your store and returns.
Marketplace
MBS also helps remove the risk from marketplace sourcing. In addition to fulfilling your wholesale inventory needs, SimpleSource can be used to also source books from the marketplace. Simply set the price you are willing to pay for marketplace books and MBS will do the rest. Like all books that flow through our facility, those books will be vetted to ensure authenticity and added to your bin so you can receive one shipment with one invoice.
Rental
MBS Rental puts your store in control. There are no contracts or agreements. You set pricing based on your store and can purchase inventory from any source. With the most competitive rebate program in the industry, your store has the foundation for a successful in-store rental program. Once you submit your rental list, we will send you the guaranteed rebate amounts. The earlier you submit your list, the more time you have for reworks to maximize the number of titles.
Publisher Consignment Rental
Publisher consignment rentals help lower student costs and provide bookstores with a recyclable rental product. Stores can earn a good margin on these materials, and there is no upfront cost. This makes it easy for the store to offer any materials faculty request.
Digital Materials
For MBS system users, digital purchases are simple to manage. Integrations allow students to buy and access eTextbooks with just a few clicks.
How can stores further improve course material access?
As the course material industry evolves, programs like inclusive and equitable access have been introduced to improve both access and affordability. Stores can start small, hand selecting courses where inclusive access would make the most sense or help the most students, or if the campus is ready, they can implement a whole campus equitable access program.
By including the cost of books in tuition or as a fee, affordable access programs ensure students are prepared for class and save students money. The guarantee of greater sell-through rates allows for better collective bargaining, which reduces the cost students pay for the same materials. By working directly with schools, departments and faculty, many bookstores have successfully introduced affordable access programs on their campuses.
76% of surveyed students said they would have a somewhat more/ much more positive perception about their school if an equitable access program was offered.*
*Barnes & Noble College 2024 Student Pulse Research: New Research Reveals Attitudes Toward Collegiate Retail.
MBS Store Technology Solutions can help college stores increase digital textbook offerings and simplify inclusive and equitable access with key features and integrations. RedShelf, VitalSource and CEI can all be sold in-store through POS and online.
Do you have more questions about course materials or affordable access programs? Speak with your MBS representative.
