YOUNGSTOWN Accounting firm prepares report on possible change at YSU bookstore

YOUNGSTOWN -- The chairman of a committee considering the future of the Youngstown State University bookstore said the group should have a report to President David C. Sweet by the end of November.
Donald Cagigas said the Packer Thomas accounting firm conducted a financial analysis of proposals from the university bookstore in Kilcawley Center on campus, Barnes & amp; Noble Inc. and Follett Corp. The group, who is doing the work, pro bono, is working on revisions.
Once those are complete, the committee will prepare a summary report for Sweet. Cagigas said the report will not include a recommendation but will offer strengths and weaknesses of each option in areas including the financial analysis but also going beyond.
He said the bids received were competitive.
Cagigas told YSU trustees in September that the committee agreed that the bookstore should likely stay in Kilcawley Center, a student hub in the center of campus. What remains at issue is who will manage the store.
Students have expressed concern that a takeover by Barnes & amp; Noble or Follett would mean increased book prices and decreased buyback offers.
Cagigas, who is president and chief professional officer for the Youngstown-Mahoning Valley United Way, is one of 14 members on the committee.