University officials are considering outsourcing the bookstore and Quick Copy Center to an outside vendor in an effort to better manage costs and deal with slowing textbook sales.

“We have seen a decline in textbook sales and the university administration is researching options available in the college bookstore management industry,” said Tristy Hillestad, director of the bookstore.

According to Hillestad, the bookstore is exceeding budgeted revenue year-to-date, but revenue is still below last year.

“The bookstore continues to be a viable income source for the university,” said Hillestad.

However, over the summer, The Bookstore Outsourcing Review Committee was set up to determine whether or not contracting with an outside vendor would be a good option for DU.

The Bookstore Outsourcing Review Committee is comprised of DU faculty, staff and student representatives. If outsourced, the university would no longer be directly responsible for running the bookstore.

According to Hillestad, vendors have already submitted proposals and provided presentations to the members of the committee, including Hillestad and Craig Woody, vice chancellor of business and finance.

Robert McVeigh, DU’s senior purchasing agent in contracts and a member of the committee,  was unable to provide more than minimal information on the process. The name of the companies that presented were not released.

“To be respectful of the group, I really can’t say much about it,” said McVeigh. “There has been no definitive decision one way or the other.”

Hillestad said there is no set decision date.

She also said if the committee decides to outsource, current staff will be employed with the management company. The bookstore will also remain in the same location.

“I don’t think they’d change the space – just the way it’s done,” said John Nichols, director of the Driscoll Center.    

Nichols said he learned about the possibility of outsourcing the bookstore last summer.

“At this point it’s just an exploratory effort,” said Nichols. “They are finding out if it’s the right decision for DU.”

According to Hillestad, books will not be cheaper, but more used books may be available.

If the bookstore does sign a contract with an outside vendor, rental prices may rise for students.

As of 2006, approximately 52 percent of universities outsource their bookstores, according to the National Association of College Stores.