Bookstore Director Awarded For Excellence In Education

OTC created the Excellence in Education award in 1992 to recognize quality individuals throughout the institution. Excellence in Education candidates are nominated by staff members, selected by a college-wide Recognition Committee, and recognized at the annual College Development Day. Each year, OTC employees are nominated from five different groups: full time instructors, adjunct instructors, administrative, professional support staff, and general support staff.

This year, we're proud to say that the director of the OTC Bookstore, Dave Hoffman, has been given the Excellence in Education Award in the administrative category.

Dave and bookstore employee Tiffany Ketel converse while examining a transaction. (Dave's the one on the left.)

Dave has been the head honcho of the OTC Bookstore since it's grand reopening in 2009, guiding our full-time and part-time staff and acting as the main line of communication between the Bookstore and OTC Administration. He's also a pretty darn cool guy, to boot. From all of us at the OTC Bookstore, we send our boss, as well as all of this year's recipients, a hearty congratulations!


Check out the video here. To learn more about OTC's Excellence in Education Award, click here.

Photo Album- Fall 2014 Student Picnic

 

The Student Picnic is an event that students and employees alike look forward to every semester. Not only does it offer them a chance to unwind, but it also presents a fine opportunity for other businesses and organizations, both within and outside of OTC, to connect with the community. The OTC Bookstore is no exception. Here's a look at our activities this semester.

We loaded up two baskets full of merchandise and invited students and faculty to spin a virtual wheel for a prize. Here we see bookstore employee Cecilia Abed and the back of a very handsome blogger's head.

Our initial plan was to roll the cart around the picnic and engage students and faculty, but we found ourselves so swarmed by people that we mostly ended up staying in one spot!

Bookstore employees aren't immune from becoming dunk tank victims. In Destiny Tibbett's case, she volunteered herself. Such a selfless girl.

Bookstore employee Madison Rodery apparently saw volunteering for the dunk tank as a good opportunity to get her sunglasses cleaned.

Needless to say, the dunk tank was a popular event for students, but perhaps even moreso for faculty and staff.

Elsewhere, Bookstore employee Rebekah Baggett shows off our wares to passersby.

Don't think the OTC Bookstore's presence can only be felt at the Springfield campus. We made a special trip down to the Richwood Valley campus for their picnic as well.

Naturally, we brought lots of CANDY! WEE!

                                                                          I like candy.

Bookstore employee McKenzie Morrow shows off some of what is but a small sample of the many, many clothing choices available at the OTC Bookstore. #ShamelessPlug

I wanted a strong photo to close out this album, so here's our Customer Service/Remote Sales Supervisor William Meyers holding a ball. Until next semester!

To check out more photos from the OTC Bookstore, be sure to like us on Facebook, and stay tuned for more glimpses into the OTC Bookstore Photo Album.

Thank you!

This has been a semester of firsts for the OTC Bookstore. The first semester of counter service, the first semester of allowing students to pre-pay for their Textres orders, the first fall semester with our new website up, and the first semester for some of our full time staff.

Of course, trying out new things inherently comes with it a feeling of nervousness, especially when large sweeping changes like the ones we've rolled out--both for us and you, the students. Through it all, your co-operation and willingness to work alongside us in these times of change has been very much appreciated. We know it hasn't always been easy and it hasn't always been fun, but together, we've weathered the storm of yet another busy season and have come out of it all the stronger --and all the more committed to providing excellent customer service to you-- as we reflect on this past season and ways we can improve.

We always value your feedback. What features of the bookstore do you feel have worked? What features do you feel need improved upon? Ultimately, it's the customers that make the OTC Bookstore what it is, and while we certainly can't please everyone, we want to do our best to be the best place in Springfield to buy college textbooks. So please, post in the comments below, leave us messages on our Facebook page, drop a comment card in the suggestion box at the front of the store, or contact us through our new site.

On behalf of all of us at the OTC Bookstore, we sincerely thank you for your continued support. Let's make this semester the best one ever!

Buyback Summer 2014- Four Handy Reminders

Buyback for Summer 2014 begins today and lasts through Friday, July 25th, 8AM to 5PM, at the OTC Springfield campus. Here are some handy reminders to make the book-selling experience an easy one:

-OTC SmartCard required. We've been lenient about this in the past, but now it's very important that you bring along your OTC SmartCard so that we can verify your status as an OTC student. If you haven't registered for a SmartCard yet (shame shame!), please visit the bookstore at the OTC Springfield campus, or the main offices of any of our extended campuses in Richwood Valley, Lebanon, Waynesville, or Table Rock. If you've registered for your card and haven't received it yet, please bring in the pamphlet you were given upon registering for verification.

-Sell back early. Our buyback methodology hinges on one important phrase: supply and demand. Our need for textbooks is highest on the first day of buyback. Every semester we buy back a certain number of each book, depending on how many we need to have enough supply for all the students enrolled in the classes for that semester. Simply put, the more books we buy, the higher our supply becomes. The higher our supply becomes, the less demand we have for more. The less demand we have for more, the less money we pay out. Once the demand for more textbooks is gone, we quit purchasing them.

-Bring all supplemental materials. If your textbook comes as part of a package that includes multiple books, CDs, DVDs, or the like, please bring those with you. We may be still be able to buy the textbook back from you without the additional materials, but we'll often pay a decent sum more if they're included. Unfortunately, some books we are unable to accept without said materials.

-Please be understanding! Frankly, we wish we could buy back every book customers bring in to us. Unfortunately, from a financial standpoint, we simply can't. As has been said already, sometimes we're unable to buy a textbook because we either have all the supply we need or we can't resell the book without the supplemental materials. Sometimes the department that adopts the textbook you used last semester decides to switch to an updated edition or even a new book entirely. Sometimes the books brought in are damaged. For more information on why we may be unable to buy back your book, please refer to this blog post. Rest assured that we'll do whatever it takes to buy your books if we can!

With these pointers in mind, you're equipped with all the knowledge you need to be a successful book seller...backer.

We may need to come up with a better name for that.

I Scream, You Scream...

I don't think I need to tell you how hot it is out there.

I also don't think I need to tell you how refreshing some ice cream would be right about now. I can say that with confidence because it's been scientifically proven^* that everyone in the world EVER likes ice cream.

Trust us, we sell college textbooks. We know these things.

The OTC Bookstore has partnered with Blue Bunny to provide refreshing relief from the summer heat. We have a wide variety of frozen dairy treats to choose from:

• Cool Tube- $1.19
• Jolly Rancher Bomb Pop- $1.19
• Ice cream sandwich- $1.29
• Champ cone- $1.79
• Cookies and cream bar- $1.59
• Heath bar- $1.59
• Strawberry shortcake bar- $1.59
• Turtle bar- $2.89
• Big Bopper ice cream cookie sandwich- $2.89
• Champ Bunny Tracks deluxe cone- $2.89

Don't wait until fall rolls around to realize you spent your summer at OTC ice cream-less. Stop by the Bookstore today!

I'd use a bad pun about us being the "cool" place to be during the summer, but I like to think we're all above that^**.

^*Not actually scientifically proven
^**We're not

OTC Bookstore Employee Keeping World Cup Fans Jerseyed Up

World Cup fever is in full swing, and fans are flocking to stores to show their support for their favorite teams.

Of course, we're not a sporting goods store, but we do have an employee who works at one.

Image courtesy of KY3 News

Our own Alex Yocum, who has been with the bookstore since Fall 2011 (check out our August 2012 interview with him here), also works at Rally House, where he was briefly interviewed by KY3 for a news story on how the World Cup is driving traffic to the store. You can read the article or watch the news story on KY3.com.

We're hiring! Fall 2014

Our bookstore currently has a staff of around 30 people.

On average, we serve over ten thousand students per semester.

Needless to say, that's a LOT of work for our small group. We need some more help!

If you're looking for some fulfilling part-time work, the OTC Bookstore is hiring for the fall semester. We have openings at OTC - Springfield, as well as our locations in Lebanon, Richwood Valley, and Waynesville. Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to apply, whether you’re an OTC student or not. We have employees ranging from 16 to 60 years of age, students and non-students alike. The work itself is fun, fast, and for you students out there, INSANELY flexible with your class schedule. Can you work four hours a week? Fifteen? Twenty-five? No amount of help you're willing to give is too small or too much!

Keep in mind that this is a temporary position; the busy season typically lasts from mid-July when we begin putting together Textbook Reservation orders till mid-September when the last of the students makes their purchases for the semester. However, if we happen to have a need and you've proven yourself an exemplary employee, we may just keep you on as a regular.

If you want to see for yourself why the bookstore is an enjoyable place to work, don't take my word for it (even though I've been here about four years and know what I'm talking about!). More information on the position, as well as how to apply, can be found on the OTC Jobs page.

Former OTC Bookstore Employee Has His Own "Duck Dynasty" Going On

OTC Bookstore has had a number of employees come and go over the years, each one with just as wide a variety of hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

Kory Cribb (or "Kowboy Kory" as we often called him) was one such employee, a good ol' downhome country boy with a dream of starting his own successful duck call business. Mind you, this was years before Duck Dynasty became a cultural phenomenon.

Fast forward several years, and Falling Feathers Game Calls has grown into a massive success. Check out this interview Kory had with OzarksFirst.com.

On behalf of the OTC Bookstore, we wish him continued success in his endeavors. Show Kory your support by liking Falling Feathers Game Calls on Facebook, or visit the official website here.

Upcoming events

We’re revving into spring, and lots of events are happening at the OTC Bookstore over the next several weeks. Here’s the rundown:

SPRING CLOTHING SALE
We’ve given our store a new look, and we want to give you one, too! This week, our entire—yes, ENTIRE—clothing inventory is 40% off! Here's but a small sampling of our wares:

What, you want more? Okay, then.  How about a special rack of items priced at 60% off?

We also have a limited supply of $10 hoodies.

This is a great opportunity for you to come see our new floor layout and get great deals on OTC wear for the spring and summer. Please note that all sales are final, unless you need to exchange for a different size.

GRADUATION
Graduation is a little more than a month away, and caps and gowns are now available. Head to the register area of the bookstore to pick up yours. We have all sizes, so just let us know what you need.

Please note that we do not carry any regalia related to Phi Theta Kappa. You will need to contact the Phi Theta Kappa office to pick up those items.

CLOSED FOR INVENTORY
We’ll be closed from Wednesday, April 23^rd to Wednesday, May 1^st for inventory.

BUYBACK
As the end of the semester approaches, you’re likely tired of hauling around a backpack full of books you no longer need--or want. Our peak buyback season begins Monday, May 5^th and lasts through Saturday, May 17^th. We’ll have more concrete information in the coming weeks.

The New Look of the OTC Bookstore

Spring is a time of change, of new beginnings—and the OTC Bookstore has spring fever. In an effort to better serve students and faculty, as well as simplify your shopping process, we have made some significant changes to our store’s layout.

Our register and textbook areas, which were previously at opposite ends of the store, have now been merged into one. Not only do we have two more registers to further increase productivity and reduce wait time in line, each customer gets their own personal bookstore employee to gather their books for them when they come up to the register (if you’ve ever used our Textbook Reservation service, it’s the same basic process).  ONLY OTC BOOKSTORE EMPLOYEES ARE ALLOWED BEHIND THE REGISTER AREA.  If you need to register for your OTC SmartCard or sell back your textbooks, those areas have been relocated to the far right end of the register counter.

  

At the front of the store where the registers used to be, we have a check-in station that will act as the new home of booklists. If you need a list of materials for your classes, this is your stop. We also plan to eventually set up a register here where small, non-textbook purchases can be made.

As you can see, there are a lot of exciting changes taking place here at the OTC Bookstore, and we sincerely hope you continue to enjoy your shopping experiences with us.

Know Your Bookstore Employees- William

First of all, tell us a little about yourself. I graduated from OTC in 2012 with an Associate of Arts degree in teaching. I’m currently a senior at MSU with a major in math education. I work in General Merchandise at the OTC Bookstore, with a focus on required supplies and office supplies.

While the General Merchandise employees at the OTC Bookstore share similar responsibilities, you have some unique responsibilities. Can you tell us about them? Specifically, my purpose is to help take the load off of our GM manager by doing a lot of background number-crunching to determine the appropriate stock levels for the required supplies. I get to research new and fun items and recommend them for the bookstore. I’m also heavily involved in making sure all students have graduation regalia, processing those orders, and putting plans together for our team store.

What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy mathematics and playing video games.

How long have you been working for the bookstore?
About 2 years.

…oh my gosh, has it been that long?

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?
I worked at Wal-Mart for ten years in store planning, remodeling and setting up brand new stores all across the country. I’ve traveled everywhere from New York to Florida, Michigan to Texas.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?
Being a student, I enjoy the flexible hours and being able to contribute to the success of the bookstore and students at OTC while still having time to do the things that I need to.

Any favorite bookstore-related memory you could share with us?
Last year’s Community Day; we made Sno Cones! I’m also a fan of the student picnics. Really, I enjoy participating in all the events OTC does…at least, when it’s not raining.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?
Teaching mathematics at a small high school in a nice rural town somewhere in the great American South.

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?
I get excited about so many things…I haven’t been able to tell all the special stories behind all the items in my department. The Maped study set [only $6.99!] is definitely my favorite item we carry, though. It has a compass, protractor, and triangles, making it much higher-quality than what we previously carried. Students really wanted it, and I was able to resource the item from a different vendor and sell it cheaper to the students!

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?
To magically reach difficult students and teach them math.

I asked fellow “folically-gifted” employee Jeff, so it only seems right to ask you, as well: what shampoo do you use for your long luxurious locks?
Suave, though I have been known to use Mane and Tail [BLOGGER’S NOTE: We do not currently sell either item at the OTC Bookstore. Sorry].

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?
Do what you need to do to get your education. Without one, you’ll face significant [avoidable] challenges in life, and OTC is a great place to start.

We're Hiring! Spring 2013

It’s the holiday season, and you know what that means: businesses are hiring extra help for the holiday shopping season! The OTC Bookstore is no different. We need fine men and women to help us through the holiday rush as students prepare to purchase their textbooks and other essential items for the spring semester.

“Man, the bookstore is all the way in Springfield, though,” some of you may be lamenting. “It’s not practical for me to commute all that way to work…”

Don’t despair. We have some good news for you.

This holiday season is a little different for us. In previous semesters, we brought various employees from our main OTC location in Springfield to our facilities in Waynesville, Branson, and Lebanon. After OTC opened up a new, significantly larger Lebanon facility in 2011, we had additional space and resources to hire employees specifically for that location. Now with bigger OTC facilities in Waynesville and Table Rock, we can hire employees specifically for those locations, as well! If you live in or around the Waynesville or Hollister areas and you’re looking for work, we want to hear from you! Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to apply, whether you’re an OTC student or not. We have employees ranging from 18 to 60 years of age, students and non-students alike. The work itself is fun, fast, and for you students out there, flexible with your class schedule.

If you want to see for yourself why the bookstore is an enjoyable place to work, then what are you waiting for? Info on how to apply can be found on the OTC Jobs page.

Oh, and did I mention that sometimes the management brings in bagels? With cream cheese?

If that’s not incentive to apply for a job here, I don’t know what is.

Summer financial aid now available

My Payment Plan is available for use for the summer semester starting this week, and students have been coming into the OTC Bookstore in droves to purchase their textbooks and materials.

Seriously, I'm hiding in the school's computer lab to do this blog post during my lunch break. Cashiering tuckers a guy out!

This being the start of another semester, many of you students are just now beginning the college experience. Others of you may be looking for some reminders on the how the book buying process can be done in a quick and easy manner. Being the nice blogger I am, I have taken the liberty of searching out several older posts (but nonetheless very relevant!) that can help.

Getting/Reading A Booklist
Finding Your Books
Reading Shelf Tags
Checking Out
Financial Aid FAQ




Naturally, these posts can't cover every minute detail about the process. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any bookstore employee (we're the guys in bright blue shirts), or leave a comment on this post or our Facebook page.

Oh, one more friendly reminder: you have until Tuesday, June 11th to charge books to your MyPay account. Any returns must be made by Friday, June 7th. Happy buying!