During the Spring of 2003 students were asked to complete a brief survey available at blackboard.grinnell.edu. The survey was released for a ten-day period from February 14-24, 2003 and comprised of 22 M/C questions and 1 "Comments" area. Participants were eligible for one of two $25 gift certificates to the College Book Store. Winners of the gift certificates were Paula Forbes and Jason Schueler.

Despite advertisement in the Campus Memo and the Scarlet & Black and multiple email messages to the student body as well as gift incentives, the survey was completed by only 59 students - an approximate 4% response rate.

However, many useful comments were garnered from the general feedback area of the survey. The College Bookstore staff will use the data collected in this survey to better offer/market merchandise in the College Bookstore and modify the textbook request process and will also share this information with others in the bookstore industry. Expected modifications based on participant feedback include:

• more selection in insignia long-sleeved tees
• larger selection of clothing styles in petite and woman sizes
• upgrades to the Pioneer One-Card swipe system
• increased textbook availability - in-store and on-line

Total Responses :: 59
First Year Student :: 32%
Second Year Student :: 29%
Third Year Student :: 24%
Fourth Year Student :: 15%

Male :: 37%
Female :: 63%

Bookstore staff are knowledgeable about their products. :: Yes-95%; No-5%

Clothing and wearables sold at the Bookstore are of good value. :: Yes-68%; No-31%

Generally, I purchase required textbooks from the College Bookstore... ::
at the beginning of the semester-68%
in the first few weeks of the semester (as I need them)-20%
I don't purchase textbooks from the College Bookstore-12%

Generally, the Bookstore check out process is quick. ::Yes-90%; No-10%

I am greeted by Bookstore staff when I enter the Bookstore. ::Yes-37%; No-63%

I can generally find what I am looking for in the Bookstore. :: Yes-92%; No-8%

I have returned textbooks to the College Bookstore for these reasons. (select all/apply)... ::
never returned a textbook to the College Bookstore-25%
never purchased a textbook from the College Bookstore-0%
discovered the text cheaper on-line-24%
my on-line order arrived in time-2%
used the library's text-5%
share text with a classmate-7%
photocopied the part I needed-3%
borrowed the text-7%
dropped the class-19%
Professor said we didn't need the text-3%

I have visited the Bookstore just to browse. :: Yes-85%; No-15%

I have visited the College Bookstore web site. :: Yes-44%; No-56%

I purchase books at the College Bookstore for my personal collection. :: Yes-37%; No-63%

I purchase textbooks through on-line vendors (Amazon.com or others). :: Always-3%; Whenever possible-37%; Never-59%

I would like more assistance locating items in the Bookstore. ::Yes-14%; No-86%

If textbooks could be reserved on-line through the College Bookstore, I would use this service. :: Yes-58%; No-41%

In courses that require textbooks, the text is directly related to course success. :: Yes-73%; No-25%

I would like to purchase textbooks for the Spring semester before leaving for Winter Break. :: Yes-49%; No-41%; N/A-10%

It is easy to recognize Bookstore staff on duty. :: Yes-83%; No-17%

My visiting family and friends have shopped at the Bookstore. :: Yes-80%; No-20%

The Bookstore carries the clothing styles and sizes I want. :: Yes-56%; No-42%

When visiting the College Bookstore during the Fall 2002 semester, I... ::
browsed the book section-14%
bought clothing-10%
bought textbooks-68%
bought books for my personal collection-2%
bought candy or other convenience items-2%
bought gifts-3%

How satisfied are you with the College Bookstore? ::
Very satisfied-24%
Somewhat satisfied-66%
Somewhat dissatisfied-8%
Very Dissatisfied-2%

For more information about surveys administered through the Office of College Services or by departments under the College Services division, please contact Vicki J. Wade, Services Coordinator, at 641-269-3044.