For Jessica Carlsen, director of the CU Boulder Book Store, there’s a particular moment that stands out from the busy weeks of this year’s start-of-semester rush. A student approached her and said, “I’m back!”
Carlsen didn’t immediately recognize the student. “He went on to explain that he missed coming to the bookstore last year,” Carlsen said. “He was just happy to see the store open again like normal.”
While most of the CU Book Store’s operations continued remotely last year, Carlsen agreed that something important was missing.
“The big takeaway for me is that everyone—our staff, parents, students, alums and faculty—has missed the connection to campus, to each other, and to simple traditions like coming to the bookstore to pick up supplies,” she said.
It was an all-hands-on-deck approach when operations restarted, with the bookstore’s entire staff––including accountants and human resources and IT staff––assisting students and families on the retail floor. Despite the rush, Carlsen said the vibe was positive.
“Last year, shopping for anything in person was hectic and created some significant feelings of panic. This year, students and families were having fun shopping again, and it was amazing to be there with them,” Carlsen said.
While no aspect of the campus was left untouched by the pandemic, auxiliary offices such as Housing and Dining, Athletics, Parking Services and the bookstore were hit especially hard by campus closures. Even during remote campus operations, however, bookstore staff worked to help students return books and order different supplies for remote learning.
This year, the prospects for the CU Book Store are looking up. But for Carlsen, the bookstore’s financial health is adjacent to its true purpose.
“No matter what’s going on,” she said, “whether it’s a good year or a bad year for the store, our mission is the same: We are here to ensure our students have what they need to be successful.”
