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News Archive 2005-06 NO. 12
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SGA approves book-swapping program
Database to allow students to list their own books, prices
by Christopher Coughlan
Staff Writer
coughlch@shu.edu
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The Student Government Association unanimously approved a proposal to create a book swap program for during its meeting 8:30 p.m. Monday in Jubilee Hall.
The proposal seeks to create “a simple way for students to sell and purchase books at rates they set,” according to David Ross, a local Web designer, who presented the proposal to the SGA.
The program would be limited to Seton Hall students selling books for class.
Ross has estimated costs for implementation of the program to be between $2,940 and $3,430. There will be an additional $100 yearly fee for server upkeep.
The book swap is intended to provide an alternative to the Seton Hall bookstore.
“Students are already burdened by very high tuition,” SGA President Sheena Collum said. “Textbooks are extremely overpriced.”
The proposal outlines a database in which students would list used books by author, ISBN, class or several other criteria. Users could then search for the books they need. A Seton Hall e-mail address will be required to log in, and all users would remain anonymous until they agree to the purchase.
All book-swapping transactions will be up to the users to coordinate; no money can be exchanged through the Web site. Students will possibly be able to submit complaints about users to the SGA if there is trouble with payments.
The site is expected to be up and running by mid-December, pending its approval by university administration.
Once active, the book swap’s success depends on whether or not it is used by students and supported by faculty. Frequent changes in book author or edition could severely limit the system’s usefulness.
Collum said she expects support from faculty in its choice of course materials.
The goal is not to replace the bookstore, but to provide a viable alternative. Its creators hope the presence of this program will force a change in pricing.
“This will forever change the course of prices for textbooks for Seton Hall,” Collum said.
In other news from the SGA:
* The SGA has entered into a contract for advertising with WSOU. SGA-recognized clubs will get advertisement time during basketball games under the agreement.
* Medium magazine will receive $3,500 to publish the remainder of the issues for its first year. The deal expires in May 2006.
SGA said it reserved the right to terminate payment at any time due to concerns over content. The co-sponsorship was approved 17-0 with two abstentions.
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