TROY – Barnes & Noble stores will soon make their appearance on Troy University campuses across the globe.

On Aug. 1, a five-year contract with Barnes & Noble College Booksellers will commence providing University students a centralized bookstore rather than a textbook warehouse, according to Dr. John Schmidt, senior vice chancellor for student services.

The University will construct a 10,400 square-foot bookstore on the Troy Campus that will be equipped by Barnes & Noble  to match the company’s superstores, and will make similar improvements to bookstores on the Montgomery , Dothan and Phenix City campuses.

“The Barnes and Noble partnership is another part of our strategic objective to be student centered. Our affiliation with Barnes and Noble will provide responsive service to students, faculty and the larger Troy community,” said Schmidt. “The new store on the Troy Campus will serve as another point of campus pride for students, faculty, supporters and alumni.”

A virtual bookstore for out-of-state and foreign campuses will complete the offerings.

“The online aspect will lend itself to sell gifts and soft goods to our students around the world who currently have a desire to own TROY branded merchandise, but have no outlet for procurement,” said Sohail Agboatwala, director of auxiliary services who will oversee the contract for the University.

In addition, the Troy Campus bookstore will include a café, a reading area, trade books and wide selection of casual reading. University bookstores in Dothan , Montgomery and Phenix City will also get updating and offer an expanded line.

“It is an honor to have been selected to operate the bookstores for Troy University ,” said Max J. Roberts, president of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers.  “We look forward to providing outstanding customer service to the faculty, staff and students.  We will dedicate all of our resources to ensure a quick and professional transition, meeting student textbook needs, and establishing faculty relations and campus outreach as quickly as possible on all four Troy University campuses.”

Founded in 1873, Barnes & Noble is one of the nation’s largest booksellers.  The company operates 525 campus bookstores for many of the nation's top universities.