Abstract

The Bearcat Book Exchange is a secure and user-friendly platform designed to address the financial burden and logistical challenges of acquiring textbooks for students at the University of Cincinnati (UC). By utilizing modern technologies like Angular, Node.js, Prisma, and UC’s authentication system, the platform ensures safety, convenience, and exclusivity for UC students. The platform offers features such as streamlined textbook listings with ISBN auto-fill, secure messaging for buyer-seller communication, and designated campus exchange zones to facilitate safe transactions. Additionally, a subscription-based textbook swap program promotes cost savings and sustainability by fostering textbook reuse within the student community. Through an agile development process, the project prioritized user-centric design, incorporating feedback to enhance usability and accessibility. Future developments include mobile app integration, AI-driven recommendations, and expanded scalability. The Bearcat Book Exchange is a significant step towards creating a cost-effective, sustainable, and community-driven solution for textbook management, empowering UC students academically and financially.