Blackwell opens a new academic book service in the Union

Leeds University Union is pleased to announce a new academic book service. Blackwell is opening a new book shop in the Union.

Through their shop on Blenheim Terrace, Blackwell has already built up a strong relationship with lecturers at the University to ensure they provide the right books to support students' studies.

Elliot Jebreel, the Union's Education Officer, said "as a Union we're delighted that we have started a partnership with Blackwell to provide students and staff with the book service that was clearly asked for through talking with our members. The partnership with Blackwell means that we will have a bookshop in the Union which will be working to support students with their book needs, whilst seeking to work with university departments to make sure the books students require are available. This will be supported by the current Blackwell shop on Blenheim Terrace, and a bespoke website for Leeds University Union members".

The Blackwell bookshop will be open in the Union during term times and will provide students with the following services:

  • Reading list titles in stock
  • Reward Card offering points on every purchase
  • Reserve Online Collect instore facility
  • A Leeds University and Blackwell co-branded website for online ordering

The Blackwell bookshop is not only providing a great new book service but also supporting the Union - for every additional £10 spent at Blackwell Leeds £1 will go back to the Union. So, customers using the bookshop will also be supporting Union services like the Advice Centre, clubs and societies and educational support.

The Union's Board of Trustees took the difficult decision to close Union Books in 2010.  Whilst it was unable to continue to operate an independent book shop itself, it sought a partner to provide an academic book service for students.  The book service is part of the Union's bigger plan to create a series of services and spaces to better support students with their studies. Students asked  the Union to provide a 'home' for academic activity, encompassing representation and advice in one place.

Elliot also commented, "With Blackwell using a smaller space opposite the Hidden Café, there will be more seating available for use by students, whilst also having more bookable spaces available for societies and student groups - something which we have wanted to find for our members for a long time. The set-up we will be using for the rest of this academic year will not be final, and we'll be continuing to consult with students to find the best use of the space so that we can make changes for September 2011."

Blackwell is located opposite the Hidden Café downstairs in the Union.  The Union is asking students what they would like to see in the space previously occupied by Union Books.  The space is being made available to students during term two and three while the consultation occurs. Longer term ideas from students about the space received so far include:

  • Lounge and seating space
  • Quiet space for study
  • Space for performance and rehearsals 
  • Mixed use space for all societies to use 
  • Space for informal meetings / to do work

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