The student Book Fair took place in West Hall’s Common Room October 3-5. Although there were already about 300 entries by Wednesday afternoon (whether under the “buy” or “sell” categories), the fair could have been far more successful had it not lacked two important elements: publicity and duration. According to the Office of Student Affairs, no student club or society offered to organize the event this semester, so four volunteers were asked to make the necessary arrangements for it.

The Book Fair was on the verge of ending when students started attending their classes, so they did not have a proper chance to benefit from it. A business major, Maya Makkawi, said, “By the time word got around, the event was over. Such an event should be held over a longer period of time so that students have enough time to contact the people who could potentially have the books they’re looking for.”

When asked about what they thought of the Book Fair, many students said they had not visited it because the were unaware that it had occurred.

It is no wonder why so many students end up buying photocopied books, an act that violates copyright law. Sara Yassine, an Environmental Health student, said, “I buy photocopied books because I only use them for one semester. Books are expensive; but if we could sell them to each other, we will be encouraged to buy originals.”

When asked how the Book Fair could be improved, Director of Student Activities Wadad El-Husseiny replied: “To improve it we need the feedback of students, and I think we need more people to be helping.” Concerning the setup of the fair, she said: “It would be nice if it is of an interactive nature, rather than having boards with lists of names.”

A student created a page on the internet called “AUB: Buy & Sell Used Books.” This webpage allows users to post the names and editions of the books they are looking for, and their contact information. It provides a far more interactive and practical method, especially since it can be accessed anytime, and from anywhere.