Still, some have questioned the decision to have a company manage the store rather than revamp the Coop from within.
Garis Distelhorst, president of the National Association of College Stores, said he was confused by the Coop board's decision to contract out management of the store.
"Whether or not this move is good in our industry is open for debate," he said. "A school renowned for its business school can't run its own bookstore?" he asked.
Other campus stores, such as those at Cornell and Yale Universities, continue to operate under their own management.
The Yale Co-op has not given a rebate in the last three years, according to President Harry Berkowitz. But the Cornell store is expanding its book operation to an on-line catalogue, said Rich McDaniel, director of Cornell Business Services.
"We're University-owned and run as an enterprise department of the University," McDaniel said. "The pricing policy is to stay competitive."
Despite these criticisms, at least two members of the Coop's student board of directors have said they applaud the decision to hire Barnes and Noble.
"They're coming in and managing the store," explained Anton C. Pil, an MIT senior. "We get a percentage of sales and a fee from them to manage the stores."
Cheng, president of Harvard Student Agencies, agreed.
"Harvard Square is not the place to offer a general department store," he said. "It's an aggressive move and a strong move for the Coop."