Bluffton University’s bookstore has undergone noticeable changes this year, and students have been asking questions. Janine Paul, bookstore manager, has answered some of our most prevalent ones. The bookstore has been purchased by Tree of Life, a bookstore company based in Marion, Indiana. “Indiana Wesleyan University was their first site,” said Paul. Tree of Life is a Christian-based company that only provides services for small, Christian colleges. Physical transitions took place in Bluffton’s bookstore during July, when all former, non-Tree of life merchandise had to be cleared out. A new, computerized inventory system and computer registers were the biggest changes to arrive, according to Paul. Account charges are now documented more clearly and with ease, and students no longer have to spend a specific amount of money on a credit card purchase. But when I asked what the greatest benefit for students will be, Paul said, “The biggest benefits will be rentals, I think.” Now, almost all books will be available to rent – this can save students hundreds of dollars each semester. Students who rent books can also pay the difference and keep their books if they decide to do so. Besides rentals, students can look forward to new merchandise and updates on Blufftongear.com. Eventually, all merchandise will be available for purchase online. Any student who has not visited the Bluffton Bookstore yet this semester is encouraged to explore the innovations brought by Tree of Life.
