Columbia College Chicago has partnered with Barnes & Noble College, which is now managing the campus bookstore at 624 S. Michigan Ave. The Chronicle reported that when the college's contract ended with Follett, Columbia administrators decided to try to find an operator who could bring more value to students.
"Before, the bookstore just existed," said Bryon Gilstrap, director of procurement and administrative services. "It was just there. Now it will be driven by the needs of Columbia and our students. If the students decide that there is something [that will] add value, we can have that option now. Whereas, in the past, we didn't feel that Follett brought that to the table."