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Bookstore open for business by Cindy Abole Public Relations An expanded look, a larger book inventory and a knowledgeable and dedicated staff are what make Matthews MUSC Bookstore a welcoming presence on campus.  Almost a year has passed since Matthews Bookstore first opened its doors to manage faculty textbook orders and book sales on campus. Today, the business has thrived to provide a needed role with its close proximity and expanded inventory. As MUSC students return full force for the 2003-2004 school year, they are pleased to be able to shop and purchase their textbooks and supplies on campus. Last fall, Matthews MUSC Bookstore opened its doors for business in room 108 of the Harper Student Center. Today, the store has expanded and maintains a 5,000 to 10,000 volume book inventory, logo merchandise, office supplies and other medical diagnostic equipment. Matthews is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.  “We’re committed to providing the necessary books, equipment and materials needed by students and health professionals on campus,” said Robert Bloom, Matthews MUSC Bookstore manager. “Completing this first year has been critical in providing a full cycle of book sales and history regarding many titles. It’s been a great learning experience for us.” Located at the Harper Student Center, the bookstore possesses a stocked and online inventory of text and health science reference books, logo merchandise and gift items, professional apparel, medical and diagnostic equipment and office supplies. Matthews MUSC Bookstore manager Robert Bloom reviews textbook orders with a campus customer. Bloom credits the store's success with improved customer service and online orders. With book requests almost doubling since last fall, Bloom credits the store’s on-campus presence, customer service and competitive ability to provide secure online ordering compared to other online bookstores. With a 5,000 to 10,000 volume in-house inventory and access to another 70,000 online health science titles, Matthews provides texts, course materials and reference guides for any stage of a health professional’s career, according to Bloom.  “We get a lot of good response and support from MUSC faculty and staff,” Bloom said. “Any business who gets praise from their customers and colleagues is always good.” The display and sale of emblematic merchandise is something new and inline with college bookstores. Bloom has worked closely with MUSC’s Office of Alumni Affairs to offer its catalog items for permanent display and sales. They applied and won approval for a contractual agreement to use the university seal on gift items including T-shirts, license plate frames, ties, desk items and other MUSC paraphernalia. “Our aim was to offer merchandise related to MUSC,” Bloom said. “Souvenirs, medical equipment, office supplies give us a chance to earn an extra piece of the business.” Already bursting at the seams for space, the store also stocks lab coats, medical apparel and quality medical diagnostic equipment like Littman stethoscopes, Welch Allyn diagnostic equipment, including replacement parts. Just recently, they began carrying notecards, pens, highlighters and a limited line of office supplies.  Another step in the right direction was Matthews' role in being proactive and supportive to departmental activities. Bloom met with people and groups within various departments to talk and assess their needs, while communicating what Matthews has to offer. The ability to establish and maintain contacts within each college and to communicate with students and staff via phone and e-mail has been especially helpful. “Students already have hectic lives trying to complete their graduate and doctoral-level education,” Bloom said. “There should be no need for them to scramble around and waste time finding their course books and related equipment.” In addition, Matthews offers buy-back text services and immediate store returns. It also has the ability to accept credit card payments, purchase orders and special accounts for residents and departments. With more than 112 years of health sciences retailing experience, Matthews is one of the largest contract managers of health science bookstores in the country. It manages bookstore contracts at Johns Hopkins University, Eastern Virginia Medical School and Oklahoma State University College of Medicine.  Photos by Margaret Atwood, MUSC Art Services and Digital Imaging.         Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.