UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 5, Page 9
September 29, 1994
New look; Bookstore renovation functional and appealing

     Warm, inviting, accessible-these are some of the adjectives that
come to mind when visiting the newly renovated main floor of the
University Bookstore, located in the Perkins Student Center on Academy
Street.
     A committee of faculty, staff and students, chaired by Paul
Hanke, bookstore director, helped plan the new design.
     According to Barbara Kreppel, assistant vice president, the
bookstore is a vital part of campus life, serving not only the
University community but visitors and parents. The goal of the
renovation was to make the bookstore attractive and a pleasant place
to browse and shop.
     Near the entrance, a small, eye-catching display window with UD
items greets passersby. University of Delaware furnishings are on
display on the right of the entrance. Cashiers are located at a
circular carrel on the left.
     The committee wanted the facility to have a stronger identity as
a bookstore, Hanke said, so the use of space was reversed with general
books straight ahead of the entrance on the right side, and
merchandise on the left, separated by a curved center aisle with
attractive UD logo set in the floor tile.
     Front and center in the book area are works by University authors
and those published by the University of Delaware Press. Presenting a
library atmosphere, wood finished bookshelves are clearly marked with
handsome signs on top, denoting the book classifications. Extra books
are stored on top of the shelves on the side walls and can be reached
by staff on a rolling library ladder. An inviting small table and
chairs for young readers marks the children's area.
     On the left, wood-toned display cases highlight University
apparel and gift items. There is a special YoUDee Corner, named in
honor of the Blue Hen mascot, where YoUDee notebooks, mugs and other
articles are displayed.
     With the new arrangement, the stairway and the skylight overhead
are now a visible architectural feature. Below the window is a wood-
paneled display area for University-related artwork on sale.
     The store space is more flexible than before, Hanke pointed out.
During book rush, additional cashiers can be added at temporary
stations, and a cordoned-off single line assures that everyone will be
waited on in turn. The area can then revert to display space the rest
of the semester.
     In addition to remodeling, another improvement is that customers
now may bring briefcases, knapsacks, book bags and other items into
the store. A new system of security tags which are deactivated upon
payment has been installed for the convenience of patrons, Hanke said.
     The renovation this summer was the first phase of a three-summer
project, according to Kreppel. Half of the lower area, where textbooks
and supplies are sold, will be renovated next summer, and the project
completed the following summer.
     Bookstore hours are 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 11 a.m.-
3 p.m., Saturday.
     On home football Saturdays the bookstore opens at 9:30 a.m.
                                                   -Sue Swyers Moncure