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  <element name="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" id="bks_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" id="bks_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitLineItems" id="bks_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTable" id="bks_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
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  <element name="ContractTerm" id="bks_ContractTerm" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ContractualCommitmentsAxis" id="bks_ContractualCommitmentsAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/>
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  <element name="ConversionRateOfPreferredStock" id="bks_ConversionRateOfPreferredStock" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CorporateOfficeMember" id="bks_CorporateOfficeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CreditFacilityMaturityTerm" id="bks_CreditFacilityMaturityTerm" type="xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CreditFacilityTwentyZeroNineMember" id="bks_CreditFacilityTwentyZeroNineMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CurrentBeneficialOwnershipThresholdPercentage" id="bks_CurrentBeneficialOwnershipThresholdPercentage" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CustomerFeesNonRefundableAfterFirstThirtyDaysRevenueRecognized" id="bks_CustomerFeesNonRefundableAfterFirstThirtyDaysRevenueRecognized" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DeferredTaxAssetsNetOperatingLossAndTaxCreditCarryforwards" id="bks_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOperatingLossAndTaxCreditCarryforwards" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DeferredTaxComponentClassificationAxis" id="bks_DeferredTaxComponentClassificationAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/>
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  <element name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentsInSubsidiaries" id="bks_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentsInSubsidiaries" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="DelawareLimitedLiabilityCompanyMember" id="bks_DelawareLimitedLiabilityCompanyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DigitalMember" id="bks_DigitalMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureAcquisitionOfBNCollegeAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureAcquisitionOfBNCollegeAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureAcquisitionOfNoncontrollingInterestAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureAcquisitionOfNoncontrollingInterestAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureAggregateAmortizationExpenseAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureAggregateAmortizationExpenseAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureAllocationOfPurchasePriceOnAcquisitionOfBNCollegeAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureAllocationOfPurchasePriceOnAcquisitionOfBNCollegeAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureAmortizableIntangibleAssetsAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureAmortizableIntangibleAssetsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCertainRelationshipsAndRelatedTransactionsAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureCertainRelationshipsAndRelatedTransactionsAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureChangesInLevel3ContingentConsiderationLiabilityAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureChangesInLevel3ContingentConsiderationLiabilityAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCreditFacilityAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureCreditFacilityAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureCreditFacilityAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureCreditFacilityAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDividendsAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureDividendsAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureEmployeesRetirementAndDefinedContributionPlansAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureEmployeesRetirementAndDefinedContributionPlansAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureEstimatedAmortizationExpenseAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureEstimatedAmortizationExpenseAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureFederalAndStateIncomeTaxProvisionsBenefitsAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureFederalAndStateIncomeTaxProvisionsBenefitsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureFutureMinimumAnnualRentalsExcludingPercentageRentalsNoncancelableLeaseTermsGreaterThanOneYearAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureFutureMinimumAnnualRentalsExcludingPercentageRentalsNoncancelableLeaseTermsGreaterThanOneYearAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureLegalProceedingsAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureLegalProceedingsAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureLibertyInvestmentAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureLibertyInvestmentAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureLongTermLiabilitiesAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureLongTermLiabilitiesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureMicrosoftInvestmentAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureMicrosoftInvestmentAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureNetEarningsLossPerShareAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureNetEarningsLossPerShareAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureReceivablesAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureReceivablesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureReconciliationBetweenEffectiveIncomeTaxRateAndFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureReconciliationBetweenEffectiveIncomeTaxRateAndFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingAmountOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingAmountOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureReconciliationOfOperatingProfitFromReportableSegmentsToIncomeLossFromOperationsBeforeTaxesInConsolidatedFinancialStatementsAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureReconciliationOfOperatingProfitFromReportableSegmentsToIncomeLossFromOperationsBeforeTaxesInConsolidatedFinancialStatementsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureRentalExpenseUnderOperatingLeasesAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureRentalExpenseUnderOperatingLeasesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSegmentReportingAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureSegmentReportingAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureShareholdersEquityAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureShareholdersEquityAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummarizedFinancialInformationReportableSegmentsAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureSummarizedFinancialInformationReportableSegmentsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureSummaryOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfRestrictedStockActivityAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureSummaryOfRestrictedStockActivityAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfRestrictedStockUnitsAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureSummaryOfRestrictedStockUnitsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfStockOptionActivityAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureSummaryOfStockOptionActivityAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureWeightedAverageAssumptionsRelatingToValuationOfStockOptionsAbstract" id="bks_DisclosureWeightedAverageAssumptionsRelatingToValuationOfStockOptionsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DistributionContractsMember" id="bks_DistributionContractsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="DividendsTextBlock" id="bks_DividendsTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DocumentDocumentandEntityInformationAbstract" id="bks_DocumentDocumentandEntityInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EarningPerShareBasicNumeratorAbstract" id="bks_EarningPerShareBasicNumeratorAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="EarningsPerShareLineItems" id="bks_EarningsPerShareLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EarningsPerShareTable" id="bks_EarningsPerShareTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtSection162MLimitation" id="bks_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtSection162MLimitation" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EstimatedUsefulLifeOfEquipmentAndDevices" id="bks_EstimatedUsefulLifeOfEquipmentAndDevices" type="xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ExpectedAmortizationExpenseLineItems" id="bks_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ExpectedAmortizationExpenseTable" id="bks_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
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  <element name="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable" id="bks_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
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  <element name="HighlyLiquidInvestmentsMaximumNumberOfDaysQualifyingCashEquivalents" id="bks_HighlyLiquidInvestmentsMaximumNumberOfDaysQualifyingCashEquivalents" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems" id="bks_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InterestExpenseNetAndAmortizationOfDeferredFinancingFees" id="bks_InterestExpenseNetAndAmortizationOfDeferredFinancingFees" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InvestmentInCompanyThroughPrivatePlacementTextBlock" id="bks_InvestmentInCompanyThroughPrivatePlacementTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LandAndLandImprovements" id="bks_LandAndLandImprovements" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="MicrosoftMember" id="bks_MicrosoftMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MinorMember" id="bks_MinorMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="NotesPayableOnAcquisition" id="bks_NotesPayableOnAcquisition" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfComplaintsFiled" id="bks_NumberOfComplaintsFiled" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfConsecutiveTradingDaysApplicableToConversionOfPreferredStock" id="bks_NumberOfConsecutiveTradingDaysApplicableToConversionOfPreferredStock" type="xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="NumberOfLocations" id="bks_NumberOfLocations" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfOperatingSegment" id="bks_NumberOfOperatingSegment" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="NumberOfStockIncentivePlans" id="bks_NumberOfStockIncentivePlans" type="xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OfficeAndWarehouseFacilitiesMember" id="bks_OfficeAndWarehouseFacilitiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToLimitationAnnualLimit" id="bks_OperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToLimitationAnnualLimit" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherCommitmentsMember" id="bks_OtherCommitmentsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherLongLivedAssetsMember" id="bks_OtherLongLivedAssetsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherLongTermLiabilitiesLineItems" id="bks_OtherLongTermLiabilitiesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherProductLineMember" id="bks_OtherProductLineMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PaymentPeriod" id="bks_PaymentPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PaymentsOnEarnOuts" id="bks_PaymentsOnEarnOuts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfCompanyAssets" id="bks_PercentageOfCompanyAssets" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfGrossSales" id="bks_PercentageOfGrossSales" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfLoanCapUnderCreditAgreement" id="bks_PercentageOfLoanCapUnderCreditAgreement" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfNetSalesByProductLine" id="bks_PercentageOfNetSalesByProductLine" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfOwnershipInterestRelatedParties" id="bks_PercentageOfOwnershipInterestRelatedParties" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfRevenues" id="bks_PercentageOfRevenues" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageRepresentationOfCommonStockOutstandingUponConversion" id="bks_PercentageRepresentationOfCommonStockOutstandingUponConversion" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentOfAssetsSoldToAcquiringEntityThresholdForDiscountedSharePurchase" id="bks_PercentOfAssetsSoldToAcquiringEntityThresholdForDiscountedSharePurchase" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PreferredStockInitialConversionPrice" id="bks_PreferredStockInitialConversionPrice" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ProportionOfPreferredStockInCommonStock" id="bks_ProportionOfPreferredStockInCommonStock" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PublishingContractsMember" id="bks_PublishingContractsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PurchasePriceFinancedWithBorrowingsUnderRevolvingCreditFacility" id="bks_PurchasePriceFinancedWithBorrowingsUnderRevolvingCreditFacility" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="QuarterlyFinancialInformationLineItems" id="bks_QuarterlyFinancialInformationLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="QuarterlyFinancialInformationTable" id="bks_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="RateOfDiscountedSharePurchase" id="bks_RateOfDiscountedSharePurchase" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicyTextBlock" id="bks_RecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReclassificationPolicyTextBlock" id="bks_ReclassificationPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReconciliationOfEarningPerShareStatementLineItems" id="bks_ReconciliationOfEarningPerShareStatementLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReconciliationOfEarningPerShareStatementTable" id="bks_ReconciliationOfEarningPerShareStatementTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyEightMember" id="bks_RelatedPartyEightMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyElevenMember" id="bks_RelatedPartyElevenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyFiveMember" id="bks_RelatedPartyFiveMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyFourMember" id="bks_RelatedPartyFourMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyNineMember" id="bks_RelatedPartyNineMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyOneMember" id="bks_RelatedPartyOneMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartySevenMember" id="bks_RelatedPartySevenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartySixMember" id="bks_RelatedPartySixMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyTenMember" id="bks_RelatedPartyTenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyThreeMember" id="bks_RelatedPartyThreeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyTransactionPurchasesByCompany" id="bks_RelatedPartyTransactionPurchasesByCompany" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyTwelveMember" id="bks_RelatedPartyTwelveMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyTwoMember" id="bks_RelatedPartyTwoMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RenewalOfContractTerms" id="bks_RenewalOfContractTerms" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RightsExpiryDate" id="bks_RightsExpiryDate" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SaleOfDiscontinuedOperations" id="bks_SaleOfDiscontinuedOperations" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfAggregateAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" id="bks_ScheduleOfAggregateAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentTableTextBlock" id="bks_ScheduleOfChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfFutureMinimumObligationsUnderOperatingAndCapitalLeaseCommitmentsTableTextBlock" id="bks_ScheduleOfFutureMinimumObligationsUnderOperatingAndCapitalLeaseCommitmentsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" id="bks_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTextBlock" id="bks_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfLongTermLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" id="bks_ScheduleOfLongTermLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfOtherLongTermLiabilitiesTable" id="bks_ScheduleOfOtherLongTermLiabilitiesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="SellingAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" id="bks_SellingAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeriesIPreferredStockMember" id="bks_SeriesIPreferredStockMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeriesJPreferredStockMember" id="bks_SeriesJPreferredStockMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsInitialContractualTerm" id="bks_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsInitialContractualTerm" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollForward" id="bks_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollForward" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract" id="bks_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StockholderDerivativeLitigationMember" id="bks_StockholderDerivativeLitigationMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StoresMember" id="bks_StoresMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StrugalaMember" id="bks_StrugalaMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SubjectToUtilizationLimitationsMember" id="bks_SubjectToUtilizationLimitationsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SubsequentEventMember" id="bks_SubsequentEventMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" id="bks_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" id="bks_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="TaxBasisOfGoodwillExceededRelatedBasis" id="bks_TaxBasisOfGoodwillExceededRelatedBasis" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TechnologyMember" id="bks_TechnologyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TotalNumberOfEmployeesUnderSubclassOne" id="bks_TotalNumberOfEmployeesUnderSubclassOne" type="xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TotalNumberOfEmployeesUnderSubclassTwo" id="bks_TotalNumberOfEmployeesUnderSubclassTwo" type="xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwoThousandNineEquityIncentivePlanMember" id="bks_TwoThousandNineEquityIncentivePlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
</schema>
