As One Semester Winds Down...

...another gets ready to begin. Finals week is getting ever-closer, and as we've been seeing the past week or so, more and more students are getting antsy to begin selling back their textbooks they no longer need and purchase their books for the summer semester (seriously, I'd say questions regarding buyback and purchasing summer books have made up a good 85% of the phone calls we've received this week).

Now, we can give you some dates. End-of-semester buyback for the main campus begins MONDAY, MAY 6TH and runs through SATURDAY, MAY 18TH. The following is a list of times and locations.

OTC BOOKSTORE (springfield) - MAY 6-18

Mon- Thurs 8a.m. – 6p.m.Friday 8a.m. – 5p.m.Saturday 9a.m – 2p.m.

JARED FAMILY ATRIUM - MAY 6-18

Mon- Thurs 9a.m. – 5p.m.Friday 9a.m. – 4p.m.Saturday CLOSED

STUDENT PLAZA EAST TENT - MAY 6-18

Mon- Thurs 9a.m. – 5p.m.Friday 9a.m. – 4p.m.Saturday CLOSED

RICHWOOD VALLEY CAMPUS, ATRIUM - MAY 13-16

Mon – Thurs 9a.m. – 5p.m.

LEBANON CENTER, ROOM 240, ST. LOUIS BUILDING - MAY 14-16

Tues – Thurs 9a.m. – 5p.m.

BRANSON CENTER, ATRIUM - MAY 14-16

Tues – Thurs 10 a.m. – 4p.m.

WAYNESVILLE CENTER, ROOM 110 - MAY 14-16

Tues – Thurs 10 a.m. – 4p.m.

The usual standards apply: based on inventory demands, students can get up to 50% of the new price. Books for which we have no adoption information will be bought back at national market price – generally between 10% and 30% of the new price – which is based on the popularity of the book, along with supply and demand. Old editions, loose-leaf and out of print books generally have little or no buyback value.

For those of you eager to begin charging books to your My Payment Plan account (AKA Financial Aid), you can do so starting MONDAY, MAY 20TH, and lasting through TUESDAY, JUNE 11TH. The last date to return books for summer semester for a full refund will be FRIDAY, JUNE 7TH. After that, it's the standard 3-day return policy.

Exciting times, boys and girls.

Know Your Bookstore Employees- McKenzie Morrow

First of all, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m tough, sassy, honest almost to a fault, hardworking, can be serious, but enjoy joking around. I like reading books a lot, which is why I wanted to work at a bookstore. I like learning about European history, particularly Eastern Europe, and I hope to travel all over Europe at some point in my life. Maybe eventually live there, too.

How long have you been working for the bookstore?
I started as a seasonal employee in July 2012, and then became a regular in January 2013.

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?
I worked as a cashier/customer service representative at Bass Pro Shops, then at Mediacom Ice Park as a party hostess, cashier, and customer service rep. And as of last Thursday, I'm now an employee of Great Southern Bank.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?
I enjoy working with textbooks and helping people find them. I also enjoy working with other employees; they’re easygoing, fun to hang out with, and take a lot of school-induced stress off of my life.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?
A writer of science fiction/fantasy books, preferably with some historical aspects because that’s my major. But aside from being a writer, I’d like to do something in international politics, since my interests are in Europe and European culture.

What are your favorite hobbies?
My main hobbies are playing softball and reading. Like a nerd, I enjoy doing research on historical subjects. As for my more girly side, I like to go shopping for clothing and makeup. Friendly get-togethers are always fun, too!

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?
Food items, particularly the Planters Nut and Chocolate Trail Mix [Blogger’s note- only $3.99!]. I’m very hungry when I get to work [Blogger’s note- Of course, she eats it before clocking in for work].

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?
Controlling the weather. Tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, lightning…those would be cool things to control. Oh, telekinesis would also be neat. And shapeshifting. Actually, it would be hard to choose just one super power, so maybe all? [Blogger’s note- No.]

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?
Don’t forget to bring your Smart Card whenever you come to buy your books!

Graduation Gear is Here!

Graduation is coming up in a little over a month, and as of today, all graduating students who have paid their graduation fee are able to pick up their regalia at the OTC Bookstore. Just drop by at your convenience, head to the customer service desk at the back of the store, and show us your Smart Card so that we can verify your eligibility for graduation. That’s it!

Your graduation package consists of a cap, custom gown, tassel, and a complimentary coffee mug. Certain students meeting special conditions will receive a golden honors cord if they have a GPA of 3.5 or above and/or veteran’s cord if they’ve served in the military. If you’re a member of Phi Theta Kappa, you can pick up any PTK regalia from the PTK office.

A few more friendly reminders: if you’re a female graduate planning on wearing high heels to graduation, you’ll want to take that into consideration when picking your gown length. Also, if you have yet to pay your graduation fee at the Cashier’s Office, you will not appear on our list as eligible to graduate, and will need to bring a receipt of payment to us from said office as proof.

The OTC Bookstore offers a variety of other graduation merchandise for purchase, including announcements, souvenir and keychain tassels, keepsake clocks, certificate  and graduation frames, cards, and even graduation Christmas ornaments. Be sure to take a look at our selection before you leave.

So, there you have it. Not too difficult, right? But getting your regalia is only part of the process. What about the actual graduation ceremony? That will be discussed in an upcoming blog entry.

Know Your Bookstore Employees: Matthew Reichert

First of all, tell us a little about yourself.
I am a sophomore at OTC with plans to transfer to Missouri State soon. I'm currently stuck in between majors, Music Education and…I don’t know the other one yet.

How long have you been working for the bookstore?
About 1 year and 2 months, off and on.

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?
I’ve had a lot. Subway (the restaurant), various pools as a lifeguard/swimming lessons instructor, and a call center job at Brookstone, to name a few.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?
I really like not having to sit down in a cubicle. I’m forced to remain active. I particularly enjoy visiting the other OTC campuses.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?
To play in a really good orchestra, maybe perform music for a movie score.

Any kind of movie in particular?
Something like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars. As a whole, I feel those kind of movies have way better scores.

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?
Good question. There are so many options! I most often buy candy (of which we have many varieties- Blogger), but I think that all of our flash drives (starting at $14.99) are pretty neat.

Any kind of flash drive in particular?
Darth Vader! ($24.99!)

What sort of hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I like to go to the gym, play piano, and listen to music.

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?
Invisibility. It’d be interesting to see how people act when no one is around them.

As a music major, what one song would you say perfectly encapsulates your bookstore experience thus far?
Space Jam! In Text Res we played that song over and over again.

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?
S’up, y'all? Go Eagles!

(I don't care what it's Rotten Tomatoes rating is; Space Jam was a great movie.)

Sourcing and Pricing Textbooks

Have you ever wondered how a university or college bookstore goes about sourcing and pricing textbooks?

You now have a chance to hear it, listen to this podcast and hear for yourself how the college industry as a whole sources and prices textbooks. There are many variables that contribute to individual stores operating slightly different, but as a rule and as a basic foundation all bookstore operates as stated on this podcast.

The OTC Bookstore operates very similar to this scenario.

Campus Retailing Podcast: Episode #2 Sourcing and Pricing Textbooks

Spring break!

What, it's spring break and you're spending your precious free time reading the bookstore's blog?

...good for you! Because we have information for you.

The vast majority of students may be out and about for spring break, but your loyal
friends at the OTC Bookstore are staying put to cover all of your assorted bookstore-related
needs. Our hours for this week are as follows:

Monday-Thursday 8AM-5PM
Friday: Closed

We know there are several of you out there who still have yet to purchase your textbooks
for your B-Block classes, and we highly recommend you use whatever newfound free time
you have this week to do so! If you're using MyPay MyWay, the last day to use financial
aid to charge your books is Friday, March 22nd (the end of next week). That's also the last day to return anything purchased for B-Block classes for a full refund. Any B-Block charges purchased after that date will fall to our standard 3-business-day return period.

That's all we have for now. Go back to soaking up the sun on the beach for a while. We'll be here when you get back.

The Big Financial Aid FAQ

With financial aid refunds starting to come in, now is a good time for some friendly reminders on how financial aid works.

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IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER?
No. Financial aid is only available for a limited time during each semester. The Cashier’s Office opens financial aid several weeks before the start of classes so that students may purchase their textbooks and other necessary items. After several weeks into the semester have passed and students have been given ample time to get what they need, the Cashier’s Office closes financial aid so that students may receive whatever leftover money they are owed.

WHY DID YOU ASK ME IF I WAS A B-BLOCK STUDENT WHEN I PURCHASED MY TEXTBOOKS?
B-block classes are shorter classes OTC offers that begin partway through the semester. Financial aid can be used after the regular cutoff date ONLY for students taking these B-block classes. We ask whether you are taking such a class so that we can verify that you are allowed to use financial aid to pay for your materials.

WHY CAN’T WE USE FINANCIAL AID YEAR-ROUND, ANYWAY?
As said, financial aid eventually needs to be closed so that the Cashier’s Office can deposit any refund money into a bank account of your choosing. Usually refunds are deposited into bank accounts around 2 or 3 weeks (?) after financial aid closes. And you’re always welcome to come back to the bookstore and use your refund money to purchase any other supplies you need. Just think of it as a brief “transition” period.

HOW DOES MY SMART CARD RELATE TO FINANCIAL AID?
Many students are under the misconception that everything they purchase in the bookstore is done so with their OTC Smart Card. During the busy season, we ask to see your Smart Card simply for identification purposes. We can access and utilize your financial aid by looking up your name in our database.

Once your financial aid has paid for all of your charges for the semester, you have two options for receiving your refund money. It can either be deposited into your own personal bank account, or a new bank account that you create through Higher One, the company that we partner with to create the Smart Cards. If you go the latter route, then, and ONLY THEN, can the Smart Card also act as a debit card. Use it as you would any other debit card, wherever you go, including the OTC Bookstore.

IF I HAVE MY FINANCIAL AID REFUND DEPOSITED INTO A HIGHER ONE BANK ACCOUNT, HOW CAN I WITHDRAW MONEY FROM IT?

OTC has two Higher One ATMs located around the campus, one in the OTC Bookstore, the other in front of the Cashier’s Office in Information Commons. Standard ATM rules apply. Please note that you can only withdraw $500 per day.

Please also note that when refunds start coming in, students will be scrambling like mad to get to the ATMs as soon as possible, so if you don’t want to wait in line or risk the ATMs running out of cash before you get there, withdraw early!

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These are just the main questions we receive at the OTC Bookstore regarding financial aid, but there are many, many more. For a bevy of other financial aid-related info, check out OTC's Financial Aid page.

It's TextRes Time

Place a textbook reservation within the past few months? Been chomping at the bit to get your hands on your textbooks for the Spring semester? Wait no more! The OTC bookstore has been scurrying around like crazy getting over four thousand orders together, and today, you can begin picking them up. If you're familiar with TextRes, you know how things work. If you're new to the TextRes experience, here's the rundown by campus.

NOTE: If you're taking classes at more than one OTC campus, your order will be held at the campus holding the majority of your classes (i.e. if you're taking one class on the main campus and two on the Lebanon campus, your order will be at the Lebanon campus). If you're taking classes mostly or solely online, you must specify what campus you want your orders delivered to by emailing textres@otc.edu. Otherwise, we will NOT have prepared an order for you.

ANOTHER NOTE: YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PICK UP YOUR TEXTBOOKS WITHOUT YOUR OTC SMART CARD. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE, PLEASE GO TO THE OTC BOOKSTORE AND APPLY FOR ONE BEFORE COMING TO PICK UP YOUR ORDER.

MAIN CAMPUS
If you're a student taking classes primarily at the Springfield campus, then you can pick up your order in Information Commons West at the Turner Family Foundation Student Lounge, ICW 115, 8:30am-5:30pm Monday - Thursday, and 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday. Proceed to the check-in table, and we'll look up your order number. Take your number to one of the cashiers along with your Smart Card, and we'll grab the complimentary tote bag containing your order. We'll go through your entire order, and you can take out anything you don't need or want. Finally, you can check out using your method of choice (MyPay, check, cash, etc.). The last day for pickups is Friday, January 18th. After that date, all remaining orders will be canceled and returned to our store shelves.

RICHWOOD VALLEY
You can pick up orders starting Tuesday, January 8th. The reservations will be housed at the RVC Bookstore in the FEMA storm shelter and can be picked up 9:00am-5:30pm Monday-Thursday, and 9:00am-4:30pm Friday. Look for the giant OTC Bookstore sign. Show your Smart Card to one of the cashiers, and we'll grab the complimentary tote bag containing your order. We'll go through your entire order, and you can take out anything you don't need or want. Finally, you can check out using your method of choice (MyPay, check, cash, etc.). The last day for pickups is Wednesday, January 23rd. After that date, all remaining orders will be canceled and returned to our store in Springfield.

LEBANON
You can pick up orders starting Wednesday, January 9th. The reservations will be held at the Lebanon Bookstore in Room 240 of the St. Louis Building and can be picked up 9:30am-5:30pm Monday - Thursday, and 9:30am-4:30pm Friday. Look for the giant OTC Bookstore sign in the window. Show your Smart Card to one of the cashiers, and we'll grab the complimentary tote bag containing your order. We'll go through your entire order, and you can take out anything you don't need or want. Finally, you can check out using your method of choice (MyPay, check, cash, etc.). The last day for pickups is Wednesday, January 23rd. After that date, all remaining orders will be canceled and returned to our store in Springfield.

WAYNESVILLE AND BRANSON
If you're primarily taking classes at either of these campuses, your books will automatically be reserved for you and are available for pickup starting Thursday, January 10 from 10am - 5:30pm. Show your Smart Card to one of the cashiers, and we'll grab the complimentary tote bag containing your order. We'll go through your entire order, and you can take out anything you don't need or want. Finally, you can check out using your method of choice (MyPay, check, cash, etc.). The last day for pickups is Friday, January 18th. After that date, all remaining orders will be canceled and returned to our store in Springfield. The dates you may pick up textbooks at these locations are as follows:

Friday, January 11
10am - 5:30pm
Monday, January 14
10am - 5:30pm
Tuesday, January 15
10am - 5:30pm
Thursday, January 17
10am - 5:30pm
Friday, January 18
10am - 5:30pm

If you have questions regarding your reservation or you want to cancel the reservation, you can contact the bookstore at textres@otc.edu, call us at 417-447-6620, or leave a comment on the blog or our Facebook page.

'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!