2012 Innovation Achievement Award Recipients
Funded by the Martin D. Levine Endowment
Anne Arundel Community College Bookstore (AACC)
Trying to combat the problem of fewer students returning to the store throughout the year, AACC Bookstore decided to develop an iPhone and Android App and utilize Quick Reference (QR) codes throughout the store.
“The App has excited students because they are technology driven,” said Christopher Wirth, AACC Bookstore assistant manager. “It is our way to stay connected without being pushy because it’s the students’ choice to use.”
The free App includes a book search, real-time buyback quotes, store information, events calendar, bookstore auto dialer and GPS campus locator. The technology has been well received by customers as the Android App currently is rated 4.5 out of five stars.
View Anne Arundel Community College Bookstore’s entry (PDF | 2.4 MB)
Campus Bookstore at Queen’s University- Canada
Wanting to stay relevant in the industry, The Campus Bookstore at Queen's University developed technology that enabled the resale of Google eBooks. Within the first few of days of the launch, the store sold over $500 worth of eBooks.
“It was a very exciting moment for us!” said Chris Sinkinson, bookstore internet systems manager. “[The technology] shifts the balance away from established eBook providers and gives the bookstore credibility with our students by being associated with a technology giant like Google.”
View the Campus Bookstore at Queen’s University’s entry (PDF | 8 MB)
UBC Bookstore
The UBC Bookstore received the award for their ambassador program, which allows students to spread messages and collect feedback for the store using their own networks and words.
“Students are our core target audience. Marketing and communication of our brand today is controlled by them, not us,” said Rebecca Irani, UBC Bookstore marketing and communications manager.
Through the ambassador program, the store is able to reach anywhere between 17-43% of the undergraduate population in one month. UBC Bookstore was also able to reduce marketing and promotional budget costs by 19%.
View UBC Bookstore’s entry (PDF | 2.8 MB)