Bookstore sales are up close to 5 percent this semester, an increase that can be attributed to higher student enrollment, according to Bookstore Director Julia Milardovich.

“Sales have been good. Enrollment is up between four and five percent, and our sales are consistent with that,” said Milardovich.

Online book ordering, an option the bookstore began offering in fall of 1999, has recently become more popular. Approximately 10 percent of all textbook purchases are made online, said Milardovich.

“This semester, we had in the neighborhood of 2,152 orders online,” said Doris Gorin, textbook manager for the bookstore. “The first time we offered it, we had around 800.”

An additional 20 percent increase is expected next fall.

Students have the option of ordering books online, as early as three weeks before the semester starts, for delivery or pick-up at the bookstore.

“For delivery, we charge $4.50 for the first book and 50 cents for each additional book,” said Milardovich. “The average delivery charge runs about $6.”

Historically, textbook sales are directly related to enrollment, said Gorin.

Other than that, there is not usually any great increase or decrease in sales, said Milardovich.