'Twas the Workday Before Buyback (The Needlessly Wordy, Non-Rhyming Version)

‘Twas the workday before buyback, and all through the
store, not a creature was stirring...except for the management and employees getting everything ready so that the book buyback process would be a smooth procedure without any problems.

The power chord was hung from the ceiling with care…
...because if it wasn’t, then we wouldn’t have any power going to the computers, which is an integral aspect of being able to successfully conduct a buyback transaction.

The students will nestle, all snug in their beds…

...wondering if they will be able to sell back their books, because admittedly,
sometimes it varies whether or not we’re buying certain materials back.

From day in to day out there will be quite a clatter…
...because with this being the buyback season, we have a great deal more traffic than usual, and many students will be entering and leaving the store at any given time.

Their eyes-how they twinkle! Their dimples how merry!
…because being able to be rid of class materials that they no longer want whilst making a decent profit is an appealing prospect.

So happy buyback to all, and to all…
…please sell your books back to us, as good clientele is the lifeblood of a retail establishment, and without your patronage, we couldn’t stay in business and our employees would be out of work.

'Twas the Workday Before Buyback

(The person responsible for posting this blog was told to do so on Friday, which would have made this posting a bit more timely.., enjoy nonetheless.)

‘Twas the workday before buyback
And all through the store
Not a creature was stirring
But the managers four* 

*We actually have seven managers, but seven doesn’t rhyme with “store.” Sorry, I’m a blogger, not a poet.

 

The signs were hung from the ceiling with care
In the hopes that on Monday, students would be there
Lining up in droves to sell back their books
Even if we don’t buy them, we’ll at least take a look

Sell us your stuff! Your art books, your chemistry
How much will we pay? The prices are mysteries!
We take math books, geography, business and Spanish
Line your pockets with cash, feel your backpack weight vanish!

Arrive early as possible to beat all the lines
We open our doors an hour before nine 

Supply and demand's the order of the day 

The earlier you sell, the more money we pay

So be ready for buyback on Monday the third 

Do not forget the things you have heard!
The best prices are here. Do not doubt my word

Selling somewhere else?

Why, that’s just absurd!

The Big Buckyball Bye-Bye Bonanza Blowout! (Or something)

Buckyballs are on sale!

"What are Buckyballs?" you may ask.

Well, have you ever sat at your big comfy office desk and thought to yourself, "man, I sure could use a set of 216 magnetic beads that can be molded into the shapes of various wacky objects"? I know I have.

I'm naturally a curious person, so whenever the OTC Bookstore gets a new product, I'm usually eager to check it out. And when my boss put a set of these strange new "Buckyballs" on the front counter for our amusement, they had to be put to the fun test. And have fun with them we did. I mean c'mon, look at the cool stuff you can do with these things:



                                    


But maybe you like your magnetic desk toys in forms other than that of tiny beads. How about bars? How about in a variety of colors? What if you want 'em in triple their normal size? The OTC Bookstore sells 'em all.

But not for long.

Unfortunately, due to issues with children swallowing them despite clear warning labels on every side of the package, the original Buckyballs in their wide array of colors are no longer being manufactured (BuckyBars and BuckyBigs will not be affected). That means the ones we have in the store are the last ones we'll ever carry. What's the OTC Bookstore to do?

Why, have a sale, of course!

50% OFF UNTIL THEY ARE GONE!  Please note that due to the potential swallowing hazard, we cannot sell the product to anyone under the age of 14 or anyone that is purchasing Buckyballs accompanied by anyone under 14.

So pick up your Buckyballs today! Because once they're gone, they're gone forever!

A Few Friendly Reminders

We’re nearing the end of the semester. That means things are about to get busy around here. Here’s a handy-dandy list of the latest goings-on:

-Registration for classes is now open. You can either reserve your classes online at the OTC website or do so in person at Student Services in Springfield or the main offices in other OTC locations.

-If you’re looking to reserve your textbooks, Textbook Reservation (TextRes) is now open. To make things simple for you, you can reserve your books RIGHT NOW by clicking this handy dandy link right here. Please note that if you are enrolled in the Branson or Waynesville campuses, your books will automatically be reserved for you. All you have to do is come pick them up. More info in a future blog post.

-Financial Aid (MyPay MyWay) will be available for use on Monday, December 17^th. YOU CANNOT CHARGE YOUR BOOKS TO FINANCIAL AID UNTIL THAT DAY.

-On a more lighthearted note, our Big Buckyball Bye-Bye Blowout Bonanza (or B6, as I like to call it) starts Monday (okay, actually I made up the entire name). 10% off all Buckyballs! More info on that Monday. My boss also has cryptically mentioned something about Star Wars and ping pong balls on our Facebook page. Color me curious.

(A note from the boss) -December Book Buyback starts on Monday December 3rd! Oddly enough the same day that the Springfield campus will understand the connection between ping pong balls, Star Wars, and Cash 4 Books! Don't worry Lebanon, Waynesville, Branson, and Richwood Valley you'll also get to experience some fun things too! (end of the stuff the boss wanted to add)

So, as you can see, we're prepping for a lot of stuff at the OTC Bookstore, and we hope you'll all be along with us for the ride!

Know Your Bookstore Employees- Amy Page

First of all, tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up around this area, graduated from OTC in 1999 with an Associate's degree in Elementary Education, then went on to get my Master's degree with emphasis on reading. I was really eager to come back and work for OTC after graduating.

You're acquainted with OTC besides working for the bookstore. Can you go into detail?
I also teach Developmental Reading (RDG-050). It helps students who may have missed out on some key reading skills (main ideas, supporting details, context clues, etc).

How long have you been working for the bookstore?
On-and-off for about 2 years.

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?
I worked as a reporter at the KRZK radio station in Branson, a 4^th grade teacher, girl scout summer camp counselor, and a Sunday school teacher.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?
Helping people, especially working with students who are either coming back after being out of school for a long time, or those just getting into college who are a little overwhelmed by the whole experience and helping them ease into things.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?
To be paid to sit around, read, and critique books.

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?
I love the clothes. I enjoy looking at the new and upcoming fashion trends and applying them to how we present our clothes in the bookstore. My personal favorite is the white OTC hoodies with iridescent animal print .

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?
The power of flight. Then I wouldn’t have to find a parking spot at OTC! Oh, and since I wouldn’t have to deal with traffic, I could sleep in later.

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?
OTC has so many opportunities and so many different programs. Whatever you’re looking to do with your life, there’s a way OTC can help you achieve it!

Know Your Bookstore Employees- Jeff

First of all, tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I’m 26 years old and have been going to OTC on and off since 2007. I’ve also done just about every job at the bookstore at one time or another.

It takes a lot of time to have done every job the bookstore has. How long have you been working here?

Since it opened 3 years ago.

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?

Oh lordy…I’ve worked in bookstores, gas stations, banks, a dog kennel, a backpacking camp, JC Penney’s Home Store…

As one of the longest-lasting bookstore employees, what job has been your favorite?

Actually handling and talking about the books, as well as spending time with students.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?

The employees here are probably the most personable of any place I’ve worked.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?

Owning my own rare antique bookstore. I’d throw in some fiction/nonfiction, as well. It combines two of my three favorite things: books and history. It also gives me an opportunity to deal exclusively with people who love books, delving into the history of not only books in general, but also the history of individual works, such as the period in which a certain book was written.

I suppose the next question is obvious: what’s your third favorite thing besides fiction and history?

The third is science, which unfortunately doesn’t come into play owning an antique bookstore. I can’t think of a job that involves all three, really.

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?

The most intriguing, useful, and cost-efficient: our Microsoft Office Suite [BLOGGER’S NOTE: Available at the OTC Bookstore for only $99.99. Pluggity Plug].

For Mac or PC?

PC [BLOGGER’S NOTE: Mac version also available! Yeah, I’m shameless]. Nine times out of ten, customers say they enjoy the cost.

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?

The power of flight. I wouldn’t have to limit myself to Springfield; I could go anywhere.

Inquiring minds want to know: what shampoo do you use for your long, luxurious hair?

The sad thing is I know this off the top of my head because people always ask: Pantene Anti-Frizz [BLOGGER’S NOTE: Not available at the OTC Bookstore. Sorry].

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?

One should fully learn and familiarize themselves with all benefits and obligations of being a student before attempting to utilize them.

Know Your Bookstore Employees- Livia

A lot of neat people and things have come from Germany: cuckoo clocks, Ludwig van Beethoven, Porche cars, Wienerschnitzel, Oktoberfest, and my personal favorite, German chocolate cake (mmm mmm)!

Also notable is Livia. If you're having a lousy day at school, come to the bookstore on a day she's cashiering. Her bubbly, chipper attitude will cheer you right up.

                                                                 
First of all, tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I'm originally from Berlin, Germany and came to America about 3 years ago. I've been happily married 5 years and started going to OTC in 2010, with plans to transfer next semester to MSU and get a bachelors degree in psychology.

How long have you been working for the bookstore?

About one year now.

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?

I've worked at Build-A-Bear, as a pharmacist, hair dresser, photographer, daycare center attendant (with 15 two-year-olds who made the job very interesting), and currently, besides this job, as a makeup consultant.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?

My co-workers. We’ve become really good friends. I've had more laughs at this job than any other.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?

I’ve always liked so many different things that it’s really hard to narrow it down. When I was younger, I enjoyed drawing portraits and wanted to become an artist. Later I went to cosmetology school, then studied photography, but still wasn’t satisfied. I've always wanted a job where I could constantly be learning new things, so for now, I've decided to be an eternal student, always finding more things to try and learn. =)

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?

Riesen candies, chewy chocolate caramel covered in rich European chocolate [BLOGGER'S NOTE- available for a meager $1.59 at the OTC Bookstore!]. They're the best product we carry because they’re made in Germany (not that I’m biased)!

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Shapeshifting. Since I can’t decide on a profession, I could shapeshift into anyone I wanted with any career I wanted!

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?

It’s easiest for students to get your books before or after the first week of class. That way you avoid the lines.

Now tell everyone reading the blog something in German that they’ll likely have to look up to understand.

Besucht uns im Buchladen! Wir freuen uns auf euch!

Game Day!, Part 2

Game Day is this Thursday at the OTC Bookstore! If you read our last blog post, then you at least have a general idea of what to expect.

Simply put: play video games at the OTC Bookstore, get the high score, win a prize!

Every week we play a different game, so let's take a look at some of the activities you would be competing against your fellow OTC students to get the high score in:

                           KINECT ADVENTURES
This game comes bundled with every Kinect Sensor (again, available at our fine bookstore! plugplugplug) and features five awesome games that you play using your body as your controller. These games include:

                                                                                 RIVER RUSH
Make your way down a raging river in a tiny raft, leaning left and right to collect tokens while avoiding obstacles. A quick jumping motion will cause your raft to leap into the air, allowing you to reach higher areas and thus, more tokens.

                                                                          REFLEX RIDGE
Ride along a conveyer belt high in the sky, gathering tokens while jumping to avoid hurdles and ducking to the left and right to avoid bars obstructing your path. Jump in place quickly to gain a burst of speed.

                                                        RALLYBALL
Ever play handball? If so, this game will be second nature to you. Smack the ball into blocks and targets to earn points, using either your hands or feet. Hit certain targets, and the ball will split into various smaller balls, leading to a frantic bashfest that will undoubtedly keep you on your toes!

                                                                               20,000 LEAKS
If you've ever wanted to go deep sea diving, this is the game for you. Unfortunately, some pesky (and apparently hardheaded) fish want to break your glass cube for absolutely no logical reason, and you have to quickly move your hands, feet, and even your head (!) to plug the various leaks.

                                                                                     SPACE POP
No doubt you've always wanted to pop bubbles in zero gravity. Bubbles fly through the air, and it's your job to move left, right, forward, backward and occasionally upward (by flapping your arms, no less!) to pop them.



That's just a small sampling of the games we play during Game Day. What will we be playing this week?* Find out by dropping by the bookstore every Thursday between 9-4:30!

Game on.

*Honestly, I don't have a clue. We'll probably decide that on Thursday while we're setting the system up.

Like Us On Facebook 
Follow Us On Twitter