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Campus Center Special
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Tatnuck offers more than books
Bookstore finds new, more spacious home in Campus Center
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by Joseph Bufanda
Class of 2003 |
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Tatnuck Bookseller @ WPI's new, expanded location lies beyond the balcony of the Quad-level in the new Campus Center. The new space adjoins the Ritazza Café and includes plenty of room for browsing the bookstacks and displaying WPI paraphernalia.
Photo by Jonathan Pesch
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Among the services the Campus Center will offer is a vital resource for many students, the Tatnuck Bookseller @ WPI. The new location situated on the Quad level offers about one-third more space and has the goal of not being just a place for books, but a provider for student needs.
The store will have a more open environment and easier access to get in and out without dodging customers at the checkout line. There are even dressing rooms to try on the latest WPI insignia clothing. The Ritazza Café run by Chartwells will be accessible from both outside and at a counter inside the store. Similar to the coffee cart in Fuller Labs with added food options, the bar will offer java, juices, soft drinks, and pastries.
Staff members are currently examining trade shows for new selection and ideas to better serve the WPI campus. "We will try different and new things," says Peter Kaminski, store manager. "The selection of products will probably be about the same, if not increased," he contends, and prices should remain steady. Possible developments include a dry-cleaning drop-off/pickup station, flower arrangements, and film processing, though these things are still in the planning stage.
A better-stocked computer department will offer TCS demos of available systems and an expanded software section. The traditional books, WPI apparel and gifts, magazines, health and beauty aids, cards, and snack food will continue to be offered, as well as free product samples and holiday sales. The atmosphere remains friendly and has a helpful staff of 4 full-time and 12 part-time employees. Darryl St. Yves, a student employee, sees the bookstore as "attentive to students' needs." Another employee contends, "Even if we don't have it, we can order it for you."
Photo by Jonathan Pesch
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Patrons can expect more outreach programs and activities like those at the central Tatnuck store due to the easily movable cases. Book signings and readings can be held in the new space that can accommodate about 50 people. A more inviting and comfortable atmosphere has recently been tried, including music and videos in the store's background.
The bookstore does try to accommodate student needs. At SGA's suggestion, the store had extra hours for the Monday B-term start this past Fall so students could buy necessary textbooks and supplies. Final decisions concerning hours in the Campus Center have not been made, but Kaminski notes that being in a more active location on campus will allow for more customers and a likely extension of evening and weekend hours.
One particular issue being carefully examined is the store switchover during the Spring recess. "Logistically it's a difficult issue," Kaminski says. The busiest days in the store are before and on the first day of classes of the term. Not wanting to inconvenience customers, the goal is to have a fast switch by only having the store closed for 2 to 3 days to move register system and products. More students were hired to help with the process, so the move will hopefully go smoothly.
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