Iowa State University Book Store

Specialties

Our Mission

As the official bookstore serving Iowa State University, we will provide customers the educational products, services and resources to support Iowa State University’s mission.

We accomplish our mission by:

Focusing on our customers

Valuing our people

Connecting with our communities

Continuously improving our processes

Our Vision

The Iowa State University Book Store is a forward thinking effective partner in advancing the University’s mission.

We value:

Our customers

Diversity and inclusion

Creativity

Integrity

Communication

Stewardship

We sell textbooks, ISU clothing and gifts, gift cards, fiction and non-​fiction books, magazines, children’s books, gifts, school and office supplies, art supplies, electronics, computers, headphones, educational priced software, and much more!

History

Established in 1874.

The Iowa State University Book Store is YOUR store. Owned and operated by Iowa State University, the University Book Store has been serving the faculty, staff, students, and community for over 100 years.

The University Book Store began in the 1800’s in a small room in Beardshear Hall. In 1892, the Hub was completed to satisfy the need for a new bookstore, Post Office, and waiting room for the Dinkey, the Ames-​to-​campus steam motor line. The Book Store continued its counter service operation for 66 years. In 1958, it was moved to the Memorial Union to expand the facilities, become self serve, and add new services. To satisfy the campus’ growing needs, the Book Store quickly doubled its space in the Memorial Union.

Meet the Manager

Rita P.

Manager

Rita is our Director. Phillips was hired in 2001 as the book division manager, where the department received the award for Outstanding Growth in the Ratio of Used Textbooks Sold to Total Textbooks Sold by the Independent College Book Store Association. That award recognized a 48% increase in the ratio of used textbooks to new textbooks. Even today, UBS continues to offer a large selection of used textbooks that exceed the industry averages.

Most recently, Phillips served as the retail manager, overseeing all retail operations for the store. Effective April 19^th, she officially began the role of store director.

«While many things have changed in the 137 years UBS has been serving Iowa State, one thing has not — our service,» said Phillips. «I’m proud to become part of that tradition of serving ISU students, faculty and staff.»