illinois association for college stores (iacs)

Membership Services
. . . education, news, networking

Serving our members is the most important function of the Illinois Association of College Stores. IACS serves its members by bringing together those people who are engaged in selling books and supplies to the students and faculties of educational institutions in Illinois. Effective communications are developed between bookstore members and associate members, who represent the firms doing business with college stores.

One of the most important services is educational programming. A minimum of one meeting, usually two days in length, is scheduled each year in the fall, hosted by different schools. These consist of a well-planned program with topics ranging from shoplifting to product knowledge to management techniques. Outside guest speakers are often invited to contribute their expertise on a variety of topics. Tours of the local bookstores are often available so members have the opportunity to see different merchandise ideas and the products other stores have available. An occasional table top exhibit of associate members' merchandise may also be a feature on the program agenda. An informal dinner and evening of entertainment are usually part of each meeting's program.

In addition to the regularly scheduled meeting, "mininars" of one-day's length are offered to attract not only bookstore managers, but other personnel who are unable to attend state meetings. These "mininars" (miniature seminars) deal with various issues and areas of operating a college bookstore. Sales representatives usually aid bookstore personnel in presenting programs. Subjects such as the soft goods industry or the paper industry are typical topics. The "mininar" program is continually expanding with future programming to include tours of different manufacturer's facilities.

IACS issues a newsletter where meeting dates, job openings, bookstore surveys, goods and services, and other information is published. Current problems facing our industry are also discussed. IACS members seeking information may have their requests published in the newsletter.

A membership directory for networking and finding resources is published which contains the names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and web site addresses of all current store members and associate members. Also listed in it are stores hours and the names of key store personnel.