** Shares of college bookstore operator Barnes & Noble Education BNED.N rise as much as 19.8% to $12.58

** Co posts Q2 net income of $49.7 mln, double of $24.9 mln in the prior year, on improved operating income, lower interest expense, and reduced restructuring charges

** Gross comparable store sales increased by 3.8% YOY

** Co's total cost of sales declined 2% and selling and administrative expenses fell 15.1% in the quarter

** However, Q2 total sales fell 1.4%, driven by a net decrease of 109 physical and virtual locations

** Co on Friday had named Jason Snagusky as CFO, replacing Kevin Watson effective from Jan. 4

** Stock has fallen 92.2% YTD

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru)

((Neil.JKanatt@thomsonreuters.com;))