SHUShelf Expands Access to Textbooks on Campus

For many students, the start of a semester brings the daunting task of finding textbooks. However, thanks to a student-led initiative within the Buccino Leadership Institute (BLI), students are finding a smarter, more sustainable way to prepare for class.

SHUShelf, a textbook exchange program, is transforming how the Seton Hall University community approaches academic resources. Students can donate textbooks they no longer need to Walsh Library and, in exchange, receive credits to pick up books for their upcoming courses — entirely free of charge. All students need to do is provide their name and campus ID when donating a book.

What began as a freshman capstone project in Spring 2024 has evolved into a university-wide initiative. Today, the program is managed by a dedicated team of BLI leaders, including Ed Vela, Julian Jansen, Michael Kelton and Erick Fraga, who have grown the collection to over 450 textbooks across a wide range of majors.

“Witnessing the amount of thoughtful planning and diligent work performed by both past and current SHUShelf members — particularly Adreanna Dones and Ed Vela — has been a joy for me since the initiative first launched,” said David Frank, access services librarian and project advisor.

For Veronica Dryl, an education student in the honors program, the initiative helped her find many of her required readings. "SHUShelf’s convenience and practicality made it simple and easy to use, helping alleviate the financial burden that purchasing textbooks can bring," Dryl noted.

Erin Araneta, a diplomacy student, similarly highlighted the servant leadership aspect of SHUShelf.  “The best thing about the program is how it rewards students who help other students,” Araneta said. “Personally, the initiative makes me want to give back too and reuse my old textbooks so future students are able to utilize them.” 

By building strategic partnerships across campus, the SHUShelf team has also expanded its reach to programs like R.I.S. E Gen 1, the university’s support program for first-generation students.

Darlene Robinson, director of R.I.S.E Gen 1, emphasized the initiative’s commitment to student access,

I am incredibly proud to support initiatives like SHUShelf, which directly address the real and often unseen barriers our students sometimes face. Access to course materials should never be a limitation to academic success. SHUShelf reflects the kind of innovation, compassion and student-centered thinking that truly embodies our mission — ensuring every student has the resources they need to thrive, persist and succeed.

The initiative continues to thrive on student participation. To browse the current inventory or learn how to donate, visit the SHUShelf website here or contact shuself@shu.edu.

Categories: Campus Life, Education