The new book building will have a "library feel," Murphy said. The store will continue to stock an assortment of both academic and nonacademic titles, and will add a "Coop Cafe" and seating areas throughout the store. Hours will also be extended, though the exact times have not been set.

"Our goal is to draw more people who are book-lovers to Harvard Square," Murphy said. "We want to make [The Coop] an environment conducive to browsing and staying around, an environment that people want to come to and spend some time and hopefully purchase items."

To achieve this goal, The Coop hired a local contractor to maintain and restore the historic architecture and detail of the Great Hall and will add a catwalk and grand staircase toward the rear for more space and greater accessibility.

Charge!

Along with the physical renovations, The Coop is abandoning the traditional Coop card in favor of a new Coop Visa card.

When The Coop card debuted about 20 years ago, Murphy says, it was unique in offering college students the chance to pay by credit. Now, however, the credit function of The Coop card is outdated.

"We really felt that most students come here and pick up a MasterCard or Visa," Murphy said. "You all can get credit in a lot of different places."

Instead of offering students the option of charging items at The Coop to the inhouse Coop card, all students will be offered a Coop Visa card sponsored by First USA Bank.

The new card can be used wherever Visa is accepted.

The Coop Visa cards have been made out in the names of every first-year student, and are available at The Coop. Returning students will receive a mailing in October that pitches the new card.

"It's a very good deal for students, quite frankly," Murphy said. "Where else can you walk in and have a Visa card waiting for you?"

The Coop will continue to accept its in-house credit card until at least October, Murphy said, meaning students can buy textbooks on their current Coop accounts.

Students who do not wish to sign up for the new Visa card will be able to retain a Coop membership card.

For employees of the Coop's credit department, Murphy said, the shift to Visa will mean redeployment or possible layoffs.

"We still have to maintain the membership rolls and records. We still have to maintain some of the functions" of the credit department, Murphy said. "As we deal with some of the people here, we'll hopefully find other jobs for them. We want to minimize or avoid layoffs wherever possible."