Wilkes Becomes Latest North Carolina Institution to Partner with BibliU to Expand Affordability and Strengthen Campus Store Sustainability

Like many institutions across higher education, Wilkes Community College has experienced significant shifts in how course materials are delivered and used. As more faculty moved away from traditional textbooks, the college faced growing challenges in sustaining the financial viability of the bookstore. Declining sales volumes and increasingly thin margins made it difficult to cover operating costs while effectively meeting student needs.

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Through its partnership with BibliU, Wilkes is adopting a more sustainable model that improves access to course materials while ensuring the campus store remains a vibrant resource for students and the broader community.

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“Our focus is always on removing barriers so students can concentrate on learning,” said Morgan Francis, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Wilkes Community College. “By partnering with BibliU, we’re creating a more affordable and predictable way for students to receive their course materials while also revitalizing the campus store as a welcoming space that represents Wilkes and the community we serve.”

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With BibliU Access, Wilkes students will receive required digital course materials on Day 1 through a flat-fee access model, ensuring every learner is prepared from the start of the term. Materials will be delivered directly within the learning management system through BibliU’s ADA-compliant platform, which supports publisher content alongside Open Educational Resources. Together, this approach creates a more seamless and accessible experience while reducing course material costs.

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The partnership also supports the continued evolution of the Wilkes Community College campus store. Through BibliU’s vertically integrated model—combining digital course material delivery with full-service retail operations—the store will offer more affordable merchandise, expanded technology options, and a broader selection of inventory both in-store and online.  Sustainable revenue generated through store operations will continue to support scholarships and other student-centered initiatives.

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“Wilkes Community College understands that improving student access to course materials and maintaining a strong campus store are closely connected,” said Dave Sherwood, founder and CEO of BibliU. “Through this partnership, we’re helping ensure students have the resources they need on the first day of class while supporting a sustainable campus retail model for the future.”

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About Wilkes Community College

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC has a proud history of meeting the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of its community. As we look to the future, Wilkes Community College provides programs, resources, and services that create quality educational, economic development, and cultural opportunities. WCC aspires to be an effective, learner-centered institution and a dynamic learning organization, preparing students for success in a changing world. Learn more at wilkescc.edu. 

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About BibliU
BibliU is the only vertically integrated campus store and course materials partner combining proprietary digital technology, innovative access programs, flexible billing models, and end-to-end retail operations under one unified platform. Serving more than 170 colleges and universities globally, BibliU enables institutions to deliver affordable, accessible course materials on Day 1 while simplifying operations, increasing transparency, and advancing student success. Learn more at bibliu.com. 

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Wilkes Community College Media Contact
Ryan Case
Director of Marketing and Communications
Email: jrcase990@wilkescc.edu

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BibliU Media Contact

Julia McKee
Senior Marketing Manager
Email: julia.mckee@bibliu.com