University of Virginia Library

Order Books

In 1965, a third committee report stated
that faculty members soon began to order
paperback books for their courses as required
reading. The report stated that such " 'class
adoption' orders were not originally solicited
(and still are not) but all such orders are now
expedited."

The committee was careful to include,
however, that the University bookstore should
not compete with private business.

In continuing the investigation, The Cavalier
Daily interviewed Jerry Showalter, the manager
of the Newcomb Hall Bookstore, and John
"Billy" Williams, the president of the
corporation that owns both Anderson Brothers
and University Bookstores.

Mr. Showalter explained that the bookstore
receives a 20 percent discount on most of its
books from the publisher. Approximately five
percent of the profit, he continued, goes back
to the students. With the recent expansion of
the store, he explained, the expenses in running
the store had gone up.

John "Billy" Williams said that the Corner
bookstores also receive a 20 percent discount
from the publishers. When asked for the profit
made on the books, he stated that he could not
release corporation figures.

Mr. Williams is the president of the
corporations that own both University and
Anderson Brothers Bookstores.