Ohio State University Bookstore — Attraction in Columbus

Yesterday [10-6-2022], for the first time in more than 20 years, I visited Barnes and Noble at The Ohio State University at 1598 N. High St. in the "University District" neighborhood of Columbus.

I am one of the many employees of the former Long's Book Store [that for nearly 100 years had been located several blocks north of that location at 1836 N. High St.] who had lost their jobs when Long's Book Store and the OSU Bookstore had merged into one bookstore and had become Barnes and Noble at The Ohio State University at a new location.

The "Long's Book Store" sign at the northwest corner of the building had been installed at the request of Dr. Frank Long, who had been the owner of Long's Book Store for many years until he had died and the business had changed hands. That sign used to display the time of day but that function of the sign now no longer works.

Yesterday's visit to Barnes and Noble at The Ohio State University had been mostly "on behalf of Google Maps" because I had been certain that I would find many "photo opportunities" there [which I did] though I did speak briefly with a woman in the Textbooks department about "the current market" in terms of OSU students buying and selling textbooks.

I never saw anyone who I had known from the former Long's Book Store but of course it has been 22 years since the former Long's Book Store had closed. On the wall in the hallway on the way to the first-floor bathrooms, there are some old photographs of the former Long's Book Store that have mostly deteriorated due to their advanced age.

Between 1979 and 2000, I had worked at the former Long's Commercial Art Supply in the basement of the former Long's Book Store. For many years, Long's Commercial Art Supply had been what had been considered by many to be the best art supply store in central Ohio.

Now, many of the products [particularly "graphic arts" supplies and "engineering" supplies] that Long's Commercial Art Supply had sold have become unnecessary because those tasks are now done almost entirely by computers. Most "art supplies" these days are usually sold by "big box" "art supplies retailers" and/or are ordered "on line" rather than being purchased in a retail setting.

If you want to visit a high-quality "OSU-focused" "college bookstore" that has many products for sale [except that they have only a few art supplies], I recommend Barnes and Noble at The Ohio State University.

But I do recommend that you stay away during the "student rush" period at the beginning of the semester unless you like crowds...

Review of Unacceptable Conduct and Discrimination at osu campus Barnes & nobles !

I am writing to formally address a deeply troubling experience my family and I endured at your establishment on 08/31/2024. My sister, who is currently pregnant, my brother, and their young child were subjected to blatant racial profiling and harassment by multiple employees upon entering your store.

From the moment they walked in, the workers consistently targeted them with undue scrutiny and intrusive behavior. It was evident that this treatment was solely based on their race, as there was no justifiable reason for such persistent and aggressive attention. This kind of discriminatory conduct is not only unprofessional but is also in direct violation of civil rights protections.

Furthermore, when I contacted Erin, a representative of your store, to address this issue and seek further assistance, I was met with an unacceptable level of obstruction. Erin's response was to label my attempt to obtain information for escalation as "harassment," and she attempted to deny me the necessary contact details for her superiors. I had to explicitly inform her of her legal obligation to provide this information in order to proceed with addressing this matter appropriately.

The behavior exhibited by Erin and other staff members highlights a concerning disregard for both customer rights and legal obligations. Such practices undermine the integrity of your store and contribute to a hostile environment for patrons.

It is crucial that Ohio State Universities Main Campus Barnes & nobles takes immediate and effective steps to address this incident, including implementing comprehensive training for employees on anti-discrimination policies and customer service standards. Failure to rectify these issues not only tarnishes your store’s reputation but also exposes it to potential legal ramifications.

I trust that this review will be met with the seriousness it deserves, and I anticipate a prompt and thorough investigation into this matter to ensure that such incidents...

The Ohio State University Bookstore is an absolute treasure for students, alumni, and Buckeye fans alike. From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by an impressive selection of OSU gear, school supplies, and memorabilia that truly captures the spirit of the university. Whether you need textbooks for class, a hoodie for game day, or a gift for a fellow Buckeye, this is the place to find it.

The variety here is outstanding. You’ll find everything from high-quality apparel—t-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, and hats—to home décor, tailgating essentials, and even small keepsakes like keychains and mugs. The bookstore also carries all the academic necessities, including textbooks, study guides, notebooks, and tech accessories, making it a convenient one-stop shop for students.

Quality is never in question. The apparel is durable and comfortable, the print designs are sharp, and the OSU branding is always on point. It’s the kind of gear you’ll proudly wear or gift, knowing it will last for years. Seasonal and limited-edition items keep the selection fresh and exciting, so there’s always something new to discover.

The staff here truly elevate the experience. They’re friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, whether you need assistance finding a specific book or advice on sizing for apparel. They keep the store organized and well-stocked, which makes browsing easy and enjoyable.

The atmosphere is vibrant and full of Buckeye pride. During football season, the energy is infectious—fans stopping in before or after games create a buzz that makes shopping here even more fun. Even outside of game days, the store has a welcoming, spirited vibe that reminds you why it’s great to be part of the OSU community.

Prices are reasonable for the quality, and there are often sales or student discounts that make it even better.

In short, the Ohio State University Bookstore isn’t just a store—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a current student, a proud alum, or just a Buckeye at heart, you’ll leave with something that makes you feel...