(Edmonton) The University of Alberta is closing two financially unsuccessful bookstore locations-Rutherford Corner at Enterprise Square and the BookCellar in HUB Mall-as part of its ongoing cost-cutting initiatives.
Rutherford Corner is closing immediately. The BookCellar, which sells primarily remaindered or discontinued publications as well as textbooks for the Faculty of Law, will remain open through April and then will move within the main bookstore in the Students' Union Building on the North Campus.
"Given the efforts to reduce university spending, this is the fiscally responsible decision. Unfortunately this includes eliminating three jobs," said Frank Robinson, dean of students. The bookstores currently are administratively within the Office of the Dean of Students.
Accommodations are being made to meet the academic bookstore needs for students in Faculty of Extension courses at Enterprise Square.
There was little traffic off the street at Rutherford Corner, and the university will be able to meet the needs for U of A merchandise and academic course material through the main bookstore. The university will explore the best options for that retail space that meet the needs of the downtown community in a way that is financially sustainable for the university.