KANSAS CITY, MO — Avila University has partnered with BibliU to transform its campus store and provide students with affordable first-day access to required course materials. The collaboration addresses persistent pain points—student satisfaction, access delays, and the financial burden of course content—as well as retail challenges such as a low-visibility location and a limited online storefront, in line with Avila’s digital transformation and student outcome priorities.
As part of the partnership, Avila will relocate its previously independent, basement-level bookstore to a ground-level lobby, turning an underused space into a visible, vibrant hub. Together with BibliU, the university will reimagine the retail experience with modern design, elevated merchandise, expanded convenience items, and an enhanced digital storefront for anytime, anywhere convenience—blending tradition with innovation in a space that reflects Avila’s mission and culture. As a key campus service, the bookstore will continue to support academic success and strengthen the Avila community.
Beginning Spring 2026, Avila will launch BibliU Access, ensuring every student receives required course materials in Canvas on Day 1 at one predictable per-credit hour price. The shift simplifies access for learners and gives faculty confidence that students start prepared—freeing class time for teaching instead of troubleshooting—and provides academic leaders with a reliable, transparent revenue model. The initiative complements the Avila Access Award, which provides tuition-free options for eligible Missouri students, underscoring the university’s end-to-end commitment to affordability, from tuition to textbooks.
“At Avila, course materials access and affordability come first. With BibliU, every Avila student has the required materials in Canvas on Day 1 with lower, predictable prices that remove barriers to success,” said Curtis Burton, Vice President of Student Affairs at Avila University. “We’re also relocating our bookstore from the basement to a welcoming, ground-level lobby, with BibliU’s creative ideas transforming the space and elevating merchandising—true partners in delivering our vision.”
“By moving to an affordable access model and enhancing the campus store both in person and online, Avila is aligning academic readiness with sustainable operations,” said Dave Sherwood, CEO of BibliU. “It’s a blueprint others can follow: simple access in the LMS on Day 1, modern retail on campus, measurable savings for students.”
About Avila University
Avila University is a private, Catholic university in Kansas City, Missouri, with a rich heritage dating back to 1916. Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Avila provides undergraduate and graduate education across the liberal arts and professional studies. The University is guided by core values including Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Service with the Dear Neighbor, preparing lifelong learners to grow intellectually, ethically, and socially, and make responsible contributions to the global community. Learn more at avila.edu.
About BibliU
BibliU is a leading provider of comprehensive campus store solutions focused on improving affordability and accessibility in higher education. Through its innovative access programs and campus store management services, BibliU partners with over 150 institutions globally to streamline content delivery, reduce costs, enhance student success, and improve the overall academic experience. Learn more at bibliu.com.
Avila University Media Contact
Jonathan M. Jackson
Executive Director of Admissions and Marketing
jonathan.jackson@avila.edu
BibliU Media Contact
Julia McKee
Senior Marketing Manager
