SF State is home to one of the largest non-profit, independent bookstores in the Bay Area. The bookstore first opened in 1954 and is currently owned by Franciscan Shops. At any point in the year the bookstore maintains a staff between 100 to 110 employees mostly consisting of students.

“We are definitely not one of those for-profit stores. Ours is a non-profit,” Erciyes said. “What I mean by that is that at the end of the year we give back to the University. We are not money oriented and it is a big fact that not many people know I guess, and are not aware of that.”

Rosa Lie Rivas, 26, a senior majoring in English literature, spent around $100 at the bookstore after using her Gator Rewards gift card. “Thank god I didn’t spend too much because I was able to get them all used,” said Rivas, who purchased about 12 books total.

The Gator Rewards card that Rivas used is one of several programs and reward incentives for students. Through the rewards club students receive a $25 gift card to the bookstore when they reach a total of $350 worth of purchases.

Rivas said that she prefers to shop at the campus bookstore because she would rather purchase books from her own school.

“I feel my money is going back somehow,” Rivas said.

She also noted that she has previously purchased books off of Amazon but only because she was unsure if she would be able to get a spot in a class.

Despite some successes, however, the bookstore still struggles with its relationship with faculty and departments. When orders get mixed up and miscommunications happen, students start the semester with angry teachers and books to purchase.