BESS Interview Questions

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to buy a used textbook? Yes.

If yes: How did you do it? Please describe the steps and any difficulties you encountered.

For out of print books, I go to bookstores. I found one on EBay. I also look at Amazon's ZShops. I've never bought books from classmates, except once, and the book was already taken. Reason I don't by from classmates: time factor. I have the impression that students sell to bookstores anyway. I also don't like writing or highlighting in used books.

2.  Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to sell a used textbook? (but not to the bookstore). Yes.

If yes: Describe process and difficulties.

I've sold to Ned's. ASUC is bad. I call Ned's to check if they have the book in inventory. It's a time saver. I assume that if people had something to sell, the would advertise via email or mailing list. I keep alll my readers.

If I were moving to Tanzania and couldn't bring my books, I'd first got to a used bookstore and try to get cash. Then I'd try the academic bookstore. Then I would send a list of the titles to friends. Lastly, I would donate the leftovers. BUT I would rather ship my books to Tanzania.

3.  What would it take to make you use a book exchange system such as BESS?  (Explain BESS.)  What features would be useful to you?  (Speed?  Convenience?  Savings?)

Super simple. Quickly find if you have books. Search by title, author, ISBN. Timely information. Availability. Want to post book easily. Loathe to fill out forms. Just email address for contact info. Want to correct information, add to description. Add comments about condition of book, mark up, whether seller is flexible on price.

4.  Would the level of openness of the system affect your use (i.e. SIMS-only access versus other students, log-in versus open browsing)?

Don't want to log in. Quicker the better. Impatient surfer.