eCampus.com’s full-service online bookstore platform will improve the student experience through access to low-cost course materials coupled with a customer-focused campus retail experience.
Drake University has selected eCampus.com to deliver a reimagined campus store experience and online bookstore platform beginning Summer 2023. This new partnership prioritizes convenient and affordable access to course materials through a customized online storefront. eCampus.com will also assume operation of Drake’s campus store, The Bulldog Shop, delivering a customer-centric retail experience for the entire Drake community.
eCampus.com was selected after a comprehensive and competitive review process revealed that the company best aligns with Drake’s commitment to improving both the faculty and student campus store experience. Notable program advantages include superior customer service, improved selection and affordability, and an unmatched ability to meet increasing digital content demands. With this transition, students can purchase or rent new and used textbooks as well as choose from a variety of digital options. In addition, students can leverage a proprietary Marketplace, which serves as a resource to purchase textbooks and course materials from third party individual sellers at deeply discounted prices.Students will also have access to eCampus.com’s dedicated 24/7 customer service.
“I am incredibly excited about our new partnership with eCampus.com,” said Connor Oetzmann, student body president at Drake. “I, along with the entire student body, look forward to experiencing their commitment to the campus community through student employment opportunities, enhancing the academic experience, and accessible ordering and shipping via the online bookstore.”
In addition to student benefits, the move to eCampus.com allows Drake to structure support for faculty in a more purposeful way. The University has positioned their library to serve as a key resource for faculty throughout the course materials adoption process. Staff will serve as liaisons between the online bookstore and faculty by providing valuable information regarding available OER and library-licensed eBooks to aid in affordability efforts.
“Drake librarians are eager to bring our expertise to course materials, and eCampus.com has welcomed our involvement, which we appreciate,” said Jill Gremmels, dean of Cowles Library. “We take seriously our goal of being the information provider to the University, but for too long, course materials have been outside that scope. We already own and license over 900,000 ebooks, and we can help professors find both OER and library-provided resources that are available at no cost to students.”
Through eCampus.com’s intuitive adoption platform, faculty have the academic freedom to research and adopt best-fit content regardless of publisher or platform. With powerful adoption metrics and a student readiness dashboard that provides real-time data on student purchasing behaviors, administrators and faculty can make informed decisions that fuel student success.
eCampus.com will also assume operation of The Bulldog Shop, Drake’s campus store. The store will offer an expanded selection of Drake branded spirit merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and gifts. eCampus.com plans to work with the campus community to provide job opportunities for students and will offer more flexible payment options to meet customer needs.
“We are excited to partner with Drake University to address textbook affordability by providing students with the resources they need to succeed at an affordable price,” said Matt Montgomery, president and CEO of eCampus.com. “Coupled with our commitment to elevate the Drake brand through expert retail operations, eCampus.com will provide the university with future-proof solutions that meet the needs of the entire Drake community.”
About eCampus.com
eCampus.com is a premier online retailer of textbooks and digital course materials. Consistently exceeding industry standards, eCampus.com’s mission is to provide the easiest, fastest, and most affordable way for K-12 and higher education students to buy, rent, or sell textbooks and digital content. Founded on July 2, 1999, eCampus.com reshaped the textbook industry by taking the traditional college bookstore online. Remaining an edtech leader in future-proof course material solutions, eCampus.com serves over 300 schools, colleges, and universities. Their comprehensive course material solutions suite includes full-service online bookstores, inclusive access and equitable access programs, and expert campus store operations and management. Through products that simplify the adoption, management, and procurement of course materials, eCampus.com propels student success by delivering the right course materials, at the right time, and the right price. Learn more at www.ecampus.com and www.ecampushighered.com.