Free Courses from PBS for SIBA Member Bookstores
It is the mission of the SIBA to provide its member bookstores with the tools and resources they need to become better, more successful businesses, which is why SIBA has always supported the Professional Booksellers School and provided incentives to SIBA booksellers to take courses that will improve their business skills. Now, as a Tenure-level PBS supporter, SIBA is pleased to announce that member bookstores, including all store staff, have free access to a collection of five independent study classes, and all accompanying course material (a $410 value).
PBS courses have already helped many booksellers grow in their profession, creating a stronger bookselling community for everyone, including many from the SIBA region:
“Each class was an eye-opener, and I was impressed that every question was answered with experience and encouragement to the student to explore what works for them. Learning from real booksellers reshaped how I think about inventory and sales. It’s changed how I guide indie authors—anchoring publishing in what actually sells.” –Selena Teems, Black Wall Street Books, Miami, FL
The available classes focus on some of the nuts and bolts of bookstore finances and are recommended for prospective bookstores, new bookstore owners, and any booksellers who would like a refresher on basic concepts:
Bookseller Tools & Resources
Bookstore Financial Literacy (Understanding Profit and Loss, Costs of Goods Sold, Managing Cash Flow )
Budgeting for Buying
The Power of Ingram
Frontlist Buying Through Edelweiss
Establish Terms and Save Money (free from PBS Sponsor MVB)
How to access the free classes:
- Contact SIBA for your access code.
- Visit the Professional Booksellers School to sign up for the SIBA Subscription. If you have never taken a PBS course, you will need to create an account. You can add any of your store staff you would like to have access to the free courses.
- When you sign up, you will receive a link to the page with the course videos and any class handouts. Classes can be taken at your own pace. Your subscription will last for one year.