Key Highlights
- Cosumnes River College plans to close its campus bookstore due to the increased usage of Zero Textbook Cost and other online materials.
- The Hawks Nest College Store is one of the lowest performing bookstores in the Los Rios Community College District, with 75% of course sections now using ZTC.
- There are concerns about students who prefer physical textbooks or have difficulty learning through screens.
- The college aims to repurpose the bookstore space for student resources and health services.
Closing Campus Bookstores: A Shift in Educational Resources
On October 22, 2025, Cosumnes River College (CRC) announced plans to close its campus bookstore due to the increased usage of Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) and other online materials. According to Theresa Tena, vice president of administrative services, this decision is based on financial sustainability concerns.
Financial Sustainability and Student Preferences
The Hawks Nest College Store, which operates under CRC, has been identified as one of the lowest performing bookstores in the Los Rios Community College District. With 75% of course sections now using ZTC, the shift to digital resources is significant. Lauren Wagner, Academic Senate President and RTVF Professor at CRC, explained that “from a business sense, it wouldn’t make sense to continue with a physical bookstore.” This decision reflects broader trends in higher education towards reducing student expenses through open educational resources (OER) and ZTC.
While the closure is seen as a cost-saving measure, it has raised concerns among students. Dennise Valdez, director of legislative affairs in the student senate board, expressed her worries: “My only concern is if the textbooks are online, does that mean that students still have to buy them?” This question highlights the potential issues for students who may prefer physical copies or struggle with screen-based learning.
Repurposing Campus Spaces
The college plans to repurpose the bookstore space for student resources and health services. According to Theresa Tena, “The space that will be made available in the bookstore will be for the Health and Wellness and Hawk CARES.” This move aligns with CRC’s efforts to centralize resources on campus, making it easier for students to access various support services.
While the physical bookstore is closing, the college intends to provide online ordering options. Kristie West, public information officer, noted that “possibilities for campus merchandise pop-ups may occur at the beginning of each semester.” This suggests that while the traditional bookstore will be gone, CRC aims to maintain a presence through alternative means.
Impact on Student Services and Campus Culture
The closure of the bookstore is not without its downsides. Jacob Burner, a 23-year-old CRC bookstore employee, observed that after the initial rush at the start of each semester, students often visited for snacks and energy drinks rather than textbooks. With the store closing, these small conveniences will no longer be available to students.
Valdez commented on her concerns: “I tend to go to the bookstore more than the cafeteria sometimes.
I just want a little snack, and I want to avoid a crowded environment, and the bookstore is the best place to go.” This highlights how the closure could impact student comfort and convenience on campus.
Despite these challenges, CRC is committed to ensuring that students have access to resources they need. Wagner emphasized: “The administration is trying to make sure we’re thinking about resources for people so no one’s stuck.” By focusing on centralized support services and online ordering options, the college hopes to mitigate some of the negative impacts of closing its campus bookstore.
The shift towards digital resources and away from physical bookstores marks a significant change in higher education. While it may offer financial benefits, it also poses challenges for students who rely on traditional learning materials or have specific needs that are not yet fully addressed by online platforms.
