Temple University Bookstore Transition Updates

Temple University announced in May 2024 that it is transitioning operations of the university bookstore from Barnes & Noble to Follett Higher Education, an industry leader in collegiate retail. This transition will reimagine the bookstore and the resources and support provided to students, faculty and staff.

The new Temple bookstores opened Monday, June 24, 2024, at Main Campus and the Health Sciences Center. The Follett bookstore has reopened in the current location on the lower level of the Howard Gittis Student Center. In fall 2025, it will relocate to the newly renovated Paley Hall on Main Campus. It now offers an improved retail experience for the campus community and provides the materials, technology, apparel and accessories necessary for a successful campus and academic life.

The bookstore website is now available. Visit temple.edu/bookstore to explore the new online store, where you have access to an expanded collection of merchandise and can purchase course materials from anywhere.

Visit the New Temple Bookstore Website

Training materials for students, faculty and staff are provided below along with responses to frequently asked questions.

Check here often for important updates from the university. If you have questions about the bookstore transition, contact the Office of Business Services at 215-204-3121 or email [click-for-email].

Training Materials for Faculty and Staff

Follett Discover is an online tool for faculty to adopt course materials for their classes. Faculty and staff can now access Follett Discover through TUportal. You can also watch this training video.

The guides below are available to help faculty and staff navigate Discover and how to use it.

Faculty training guide: Training for faculty who submit adoptions for their classes.
Administrator training guide: Training for those who are responsible for oversight of department adoptions.
Concierge training guide: Training for those who are responsible for submitting adoptions on behalf of faculty.

Follett will offer training on using Discover. Be sure to check back here for training dates and more information on how to register for training.

Updates from the University

May 28, 2024: Temple bookstore transition to Follett

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Why is Temple transitioning to Follett as our bookstore provider? 

The decision to transition to Follett was made as part of a strategic move to reimagine how we deliver course materials and the campus retail experience to support 21st-century learners. Follett, an industry leader in collegiate retail, partners with over 1,000 campuses in North America. They offer customized solutions that support learning, accelerate affordable access to course materials and foster a memorable collegiate retail experience.

The transition is expected to bring numerous benefits including a wider range of course materials, a broader selection of sustainable and locally sourced merchandise, more streamlined operations, and innovative tools to enrich teaching and learning. The bookstore will move to its new location in Paley Hall, at the center of campus, in fall 2025. This move aligns with strategic goals identified during the bookstore reevaluation process, including expanding merchandise offerings and enhancing the campus retail experience.

We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for students, faculty and staff, although some initial adjustments will be necessary for the Summer II and fall terms. With a renewed focus on affordability, academic freedom and increased access to a variety of course materials, we are confident that our partnership with Follett will elevate the learning experience at Temple.

Will Follett occupy the same space as Barnes & Noble did in the Student Center?

Yes. Starting on June 24, 2024, Follett will occupy the current bookstore location on the lower level of the Howard Gittis Student Center. However, we look forward to the bookstore’s move to its new location in Paley Hall at the center of campus when the building reopens in fall 2025.  Follett is working with Temple’s Project Delivery Group to design a transformative collegiate retail experience that will support student success and evoke campus pride in a contemporary space consisting of 26,000 square feet of total space on two levels.

How do I access the new Follett bookstore website?

Temple’s Follett bookstore has launched! Visit and bookmark temple.edu/bookstore for all your textbook and merchandise needs.

When will this transition occur?

On June 24, 2024, Temple’s Follett bookstore officially opened in-store operations at Main Campus and Health Sciences Center, and online at temple.edu/bookstore.

When the bookstore relocates, when and where will it open?

The new bookstore, which will be operated by Follett, is scheduled to open at the start of the fall 2025 semester. The new bookstore will be located in the newly renovated Paley Hall with direct access from 13th Street. This location, which is in the heart of Main Campus, will feature two stories and approximately 26,000 square feet of space on two levels.

Does this transition impact the bookstore at the Health Sciences Center?

Yes. To prepare for the transition, the bookstore at the Health Sciences Center opened on June 24, 2024.

Faculty

What is the process for textbook adoptions?

Beginning June 24, instructors should submit adoptions through Follett’s system called Follett Discover. A link to Follett Discover will be available on TUportal and Canvas along with a variety of training material including this training video of Follett Discover from the faculty perspective.

Will I be trained in how to use Follett’s texbook adoption program?

A variety of training material will be available including virtual and in-person training sessions offered by Follett, demo videos and user guides. Links to these resources will be available in TUportal.

I am teaching during the Summer II session, and this transition occurs directly before the Summer II session starts. When should I submit my textbook adoptions to ensure my course materials are ready for the start of the Summer II session?

When should I submit my textbook adoptions to ensure my course materials are ready for the start of the fall semester?

Beginning June 24, instructors should submit adoptions through Follett’s system called Follett Discover. A link to Follett Discover will be available on TUportal and Canvas along with a variety of training material including this trainingvideo of Follett Discover from the faculty perspective.

Will course materials integrate with Canvas, Temple’s learning management system?

Yes. Digital course materials will integrate with Canvas through Follett’s system called Discover Access. Discover Access provides a place for students to purchase and access digitally fulfilled content and open education resources in a single location. When students select to purchase materials, they are directed to a personalized prepopulated eFollett page, making it easy for students to quickly purchase the materials they need.

Who can I contact if I have a specific question or concern?

Please contact Temple University’s Office of Business Services at 215-204-3121 or email [click-for-email] with questions about the transition from Barnes & Noble to Follett.

Questions or concerns for Follett including questions about course materials or using Follett Discover can be directed to [click-for-email].

Students

What does this transition mean for me?

The transition to Follett is expected to bring numerous benefits to students including a wider range of affordable course materials, a broader selection of sustainable and locally sourced merchandise, more streamlined operations, and innovative tools to enrich teaching and learning.

In addition, we look forward to the bookstore’s move to its new location in Paley Hall at the center of campus when the building reopens in fall 2025. Follett is working with Temple’s Project Delivery Group to design a transformative collegiate retail experience that will support student success and evoke campus pride in a contemporary space consisting of 26,000 square feet of total space on two levels.

With a renewed focus on affordability, academic freedom, increased access to a variety of course materials, expanded merchandise offerings and an enhanced campus retail experience, we are confident that our partnership with Follett will elevate the learning experience at Temple.

Temple’s Follett bookstore website is launching on Monday, June 24, 2024. Visit and bookmark temple.edu/bookstore for all your textbook and merchandise needs.

I am enrolled in the Summer II session. Does this transition impact me?

Follett is committed to facilitating a smooth transition for students, faculty and staff. Students enrolled in Summer II session courses will be able to view and purchase required course materials starting on Monday, June 24, 2024, through seamless integration of Follett’s system called Follett Discover in TUportal and Canvas. A variety of training materials for Follett Discover will be available in TUportal including demo videos and user guides. 

How and where do I purchase my course materials for the fall semester?

Starting on Monday, June 24, 2024, students will be able to purchase course materials for fall courses using Follett Discover in TUportal and Canvas, or in person at the bookstore located in the Howard Gittis Student Center. A variety of training materials for Follett Discover will be available in TUportal including demo videos and user guides. 

Can I still bring my spring book rentals and sell back my books?

The deadline to return spring book rentals to Barnes and Noble was Monday, May 13, 2024. If you still have a book rental from Barnes and Noble in your possession, please email [click-for-email]. Beginning Monday, June 24, buyback transactions are now operated through Follett at the bookstore in the Howard Gittis Student Center.

Staff

How do I submit a departmental order through Follett?

Follett is working with Temple University Purchasing Services to set up departmental purchases through TUmarketplace. More information will be available once the integration is complete.  

Will Follett offer discounts to faculty and staff? What about departmental purchases?

Yes! Follett will offer a 10% discount on all purchases over $1 to faculty and staff. Discounts are not available for textbooks, sale merchandise or computer hardware. Additionally, Follett will offer a 20% discount to departments on purchases of supplies. 