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For centuries, books have inspired future innovators and have enriched millions of minds with knowledge. With the invention of the printing press, books became readily available to the masses. But in today's modern education system, where do school systems turn to for quality textbooks? How will these schools adapt to technology becoming a major part of the education system? Well, Follett Bookstore is a one such company that can provide these services.
Follett is a nationwide leader in providing students with education technology and services, as well as digital and printed content. Besides providing premium preK-12 services, Follet Bookstore is the nation's leader in higher education services. Follett prides themselves in being more than just a source of books, but a gateway to knowledge as well.
Follett Bookstore Overview
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For over 140 years, Follett has provided education services for pre-K, K-12, and college campuses. Follett Bookstore serves over half of all students in the United States, working with over 80,000 schools nationwide. Follet is the nation's leader in providing educational services to our nation's universities with over 1,200 retail college bookstores and 1,600 virtual bookstores. Having such a large footprint in the market gives Follet a unique insight into how students are learning and buying.
Company History
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Follett Bookstore was founded in 1873 by Charles M. Barnes. His first bookstore was in his own home in Wheaton, Illinois. Three years later, Mr. Barnes moved his bookstore, now named C.M. Barnes & Company, to 23 LaSalle Street in Chicago, Illinois. The store sold new and used textbooks, stationery, and school supplies to students.
In 1901, C.W. Follett joined the company as a stock clerk. The following year, Charles M. Barnes retired and his son William became the president of C.M. Barnes & Company. By this time, the company had grown into a wholesale supplier for the midwestern United States.
By 1912, C.W. Follett rose all the way through the ranks from stock clerk to vice president and shareholder of the company. Eleven years later, C.W. Follett and his wife, Edythe, purchased the company. For the next three decades, C.W. Follett ran the business with his sons until his death in 1952. Dwight Follet succeeded his father as chairman and renamed the company to the Follett Corporation, which it is still known as today.
Company Vision
"At Follett, we want to empower education everywhere learning is happening."
Company Mission
"We bring together educational content, products, and technologies to prepare the next generation of learners and educators. By working as a trusted partner to schools and institutions, we help educators drive success for students from their first day of school through college graduation and beyond."
Follett Bookstore Services
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Now that we've learned about the company itself, let's examine the services Follett Bookstore offers to student across the United States. We will first be looking at pre-K through grade 12 services first, followed by Follett Corporation's higher learning services.
PreK-12 Services
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Follett provides preK-12 educators with the content, technology solutions, thought leadership, and expert support. Follett helps these educators reach their goals of educating students with a plethora of solutions to suit the needs of any classroom, library, school, district, or any other learning center. Some of the services offered include:
PreK-12 Books & Materials
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Follett is the largest provider of educational materials to libraries and classrooms across the world. Follet works with the best publishers in the field to supply these materials. Offering both print and digital services, Follett Bookstore provides anything a school district could need.
PreK-12 Technology
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Follett uses technology to streamline and secure student data. The Destiny Library Manager manages library tasks, inventory tracking, catalog searches, checkouts, and more. Destiny Resource Manager helps boost accountability for all school resources while, at the same time, minimizing any potential losses. Follett's Aspen Program allows educators to store, track, and analyze a wide range of academic data.
PreK-12 Professional Services
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The professional services offered by Follett allow educators to spend more time teaching students and less time on management tasks. Composed of educational experts, Follett's Content Research and Alignment team is dedicated to finding the proper curriculum for your learning organization. Follett also has experience in helping new schools and libraries launch smoothly and efficiently.
PreK-12 Educator Inspiration
Follett Bookstore offers a variety of webinars, podcasts, videos, success stories, and events for educators. Educators can engage with experts via the Follett Community, or learn what students really want to read at the Follett Students' Choice lists.
Higher Education Services
Now that we've covered the preK-12 services of the Follett Corporation, let's dive deep into their services provided for higher education students and faculty. We are going to cover the following
eFollett Virtual Campus Store
Campus Retail Solutions
Purchasing Integrity
Buyback Services
Campus Tech Solutions
Follett Corporation is a leader in the distribution and exploration of digital content. Follett Campus Tech Solutions provide what is needed today, but is also able to foresee what will be needed in the future. This benefits not only the campus store but the faculty and the students as well. Let's take a glance at a quick snapshot of these solutions:
Follett Bookstore Headquarters Information
Listed below is the contact information for Follett Bookstore headquarters and key Follett Corporation locations:
Follett Corporation
3 Westbrook Corporate Center
Suite 200
Westchester, IL 60154
Tel: 800-FOLLETT (800-365-5388)
Tel: 708-884-0000
Follett School Solutions
1340 Ridgeview Drive
McHenry, IL 60050
Tel: 888-511-5114
Tel: 815-759-1700
Follett Higher Education Group
3 Westbrook Corporate Center
Suite 200
Westchester, IL 60154
Tel: 800-365-5388
Tel: 708-884-0000
Follett of Canada
3390 South Service Road
Suite 306
Burlington, ON L7N 3J5
Tel: 877-857-7870
What We've Learned About Follet Bookstores
The Follett Corporation started in a house over 140 years ago and is now the North American leader in educational materials. Follett Bookstores have adapted well with the times. Not only are they the leaders in providing printed content to schools, but they are also a leader in providing digital educational content to faculty and students across the globe. Follett also holds themselves and their vendors to strict buying policies. This ensures the integrity of their business.
Learning doesn't stop after graduating. Follett also provides professional support to educators. This professional support staff hosts events and webinars to provide our children's educators the right information needed for success. The future for education looks bright as long as Follett is around to supply the demand for the unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
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