The ASDVC has opened serious discussion about reducing textbook prices for students.

During ASDVC’s second meeting, most deliberation focused on towering textbook prices and what ASDVC can do to help students manage them. The board members generally regarded price reductions as a difficult task.

Board member Arman Kalyani proposed an exchange service medium that would link students looking to both buy and sell textbooks. Either online or through a library setup within the Student Union Building, students would list the books they need and hope to sell.

“It would be a Craigslist for DVC,” Kalyani said.

The ASDVC would host multiple sessions throughout the semester where students can meet and make cheap and quick exchanges.

There was talk, however, of a five dollar fee paid to the ASDVC for providing the service.

“I don’t know about the fee,” board member Fiona Ajwang said. “Once money’s involved it becomes difficult.”

Establishing an online textbook streaming service was also discussed. ASDVC would create a website on which particular textbooks could be uploaded, viewed, but not downloaded–like Spotify for textbooks.

“It’s a great idea if it’s legally allowable,” Hakeem Montes, the newly elected Vice President of Executive Affairs, said.

President Sam Park agreed, stating that the board still needs to research the legalities of the idea. Research would include other colleges’ attempts at the same strategy, Park said.

Lastly, and as more as a long term goal, the board discussed limiting teachers’ ability to add new textbook editions each semester. The board would establish a task force seeking support through various California faculty organizations.

“This will give us at least a year to lay the groundwork,” Montes said.

According to Montes, the project would take nearly two years to finish.