New Bookstore
As of July 1, 2025, BCC has officially transitioned from a traditional campus bookstore to a hybrid
store model, separating textbook fulfillment from retail operations in order to improve
affordability, efficiency, and the overall student experience. This transition was
part of a statewide consortium effort to select a new vendor, which allowed BCC to
leverage better pricing, enhanced offerings, and broader support services for students
and faculty. We will continue to refer to our store as The Bookstore.
This hybrid model reflects a broader shift in higher education, where institutions
are moving away from traditional bookstore operations toward more nimble, student-centered
approaches. The change allows BCC to offer a more streamlined, affordable, and modern
shopping experience, while positioning the on-campus store as a hub for community
engagement and college pride.
Timeframe
To support the final phase of our transition to the new hybrid bookstore model, the
campus store will be closed the week of July 7 for relocation and set up. During this
time, the store will temporarily operate out of the front of the SBA Lounge area where
staff will continue to assist with online order pickups and essential supply needs.
We are excited to announce a soft opening of the new Bookstore on Monday, July 14.
The refreshed space will offer course-related supplies, BCC merchandise, and in-person
support for students and faculty navigating the new eCampus system. Full operations
will ramp up in the weeks following as inventory arrives and store systems are finalized.
We appreciate your patience during this transition and look forward to welcoming you
into the new space soon.
Our New Partners
Under this new model, eCampus now manages all textbook and course material purchases
through an online platform. Students can choose from a variety of options — including
new, used, rental, and digital formats — with added benefits like a price-match guarantee
and a buyback program. Faculty will adopt their course materials directly through
the eCampus system, with support available during the transition.
At the same time, the University Gear Shop (UGS), BCC's reimagined on-campus store,
will oversee all retail and supply operations. This includes managing course-related
materials such as lab kits, calculators, scrubs, and art supplies, along with BCC-branded
merchandise and spirit wear. Supplies will be available both in-store and online,
with flexible delivery or pickup options. Each semester, UGS will work closely with
faculty to ensure necessary supplies are stocked in advance of classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Student FAQ
- Where do I buy my textbooks now? Textbooks will be purchased online through eCampus, which offers new, used, rental,
and eBook options.
- Is there a price match option? Yes! eCampus offers a price match guarantee for textbooks. Full details will be available
on the BCC-branded eCampus site and the staff in the Bookstore can help answer any
questions.
- How long does shipping take? Shipping times depend on the method you choose — USPS or UPS — offering both ground
and expedited options.
- Can I sell my textbooks back? Yes. eCampus offers a buyback program that accepts books in various conditions.
- Can I use financial aid to buy books and supplies? Yes. eCampus and Bookstore, through UGS, are working together to enable the use
of financial aid for textbooks and eligible supplies.
- Where do I buy course-related supplies (e.g., calculators, art materials)? These supplies will be available at the Bookstore
on campus and through its online store, aligned with course requirements.
- Is there still a physical campus store? Yes. The Bookstore will remain open for purchasing supplies, spirit gear, and providing
in-store ordering assistance.
- Can I get my materials in-store or only online? You can order online and choose either home delivery or free in-store pickup at the
Bookstore.
- What about cooks' whites, scrubs, or lab kits? These course-specific items will be available through the Bookstore, both in-store
and online.
- Will there be vending machines for last-minute items? No vending machines will be in the store, but frequently needed items will be regularly
stocked in the Bookstore and online.
Faculty and Staff FAQ
What's changing?
- BCC's bookstore services are now shared between two partners: eCampus – Handles all
textbooks and course materials.
- University Gear Shop (UGS) – Manages retail operations, including supplies, spirit
gear, and in-store services.
How does this affect faculty?
- Faculty will adopt textbooks through eCampus.com's platform.
- UGS will send out a form or spreadsheet each semester to gather supply needs (e.g.,
lab kits, calculators, scrubs, art materials).
- Support or training may be provided to help with the transition.
What about bookstore staff?
- Staff responsibilities may shift to align with our new partners. We're still waiting
to see who will work in the store long term.
- New systems, workflows, and branding will be introduced as part of the change.
What are the benefits?
- Students gain flexible, affordable access to textbooks and supplies through a unified
online and in-person experience.
- Faculty benefit from streamlined adoption tools and better coordination.
- The Bookstore will focus more on community engagement and BCC-branded merchandise.
Other FAQ
- How do students get their books and supplies?
- Textbooks: Purchased online through eCampus
- Supplies: Available in-store and online in the Bookstore
- How do I request course-related supplies? The Bookstore, through the UGS team, will request supply needs from faculty each
semester to ensure timely stocking.
- Are scrubs, culinary gear, and lab kits considered books or supplies? These are categorized as supplies and handled by the Bookstore staff.
- Who is handling summer session materials? Follett may fulfill Summer 2025 courses, but the new Bookstore team can support summer
supply needs with adequate notice.
- Will there be vending machines for last-minute supplies? No, but the Bookstore will stock commonly needed small items.
- Can third-party payers (like Mass Rehab) still be used? The Bookstore is exploring purchase order options for third-party payments; more
details to come.
- Will Inclusive Access and financial aid be supported? eCampus and UGS are collaborating on a solution that includes Inclusive Access billing
and financial aid compatibility.
- Is the new system integrated with Colleague? We are working through this now and will keep you updated.
- How is the student experience being streamlined? A coordinated online and in-store system will allow students to purchase all materials
with delivery or pickup options and support throughout the process.
