LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - The Texas Tech University Library plans to change its student employment policy and possibly install a video surveillance system in response to the indictment of a circulation worker for allegedly stealing books, school officials said.
Authorities say 22-year-old Johnathan Nunley stole more than $75,000 worth of books from the library and sold them through an online retailer.
He was indicted last month on a charge of felony theft on accusations he sent or arranged to send more than 1,000 library books to the Oregon-based book seller.
Nunley, who worked as a student assistant in the library's circulation department, could not be reached for comment. His lawyer declined comment citing the pending case.
Nunley is accused of taking the books while working a late-night shift and removing their Texas Tech identification by either removing pages or marking over the university stamp with black ink.
Nunley's account with an Oregon-based online book store had set up more than 70 sales and shipped 54 orders over four months this year, according to police records. He received more than $15,000 for the books, only a fifth of their estimated total value, police said.
The Texas Tech library employs close to 200 students. Donald Dyal, dean of libraries, said the library now will hire only "serious" students. Student employees will also work under additional supervisors, he said.
The library is also considering installing a video surveillance system for the circulation department and other areas.
Librarians say they expect to lose some books to patrons who keep books intentionally or accidentally but that its rare for employees to steal books.
"I mean, really, it's almost the worst thing that anybody could do," said Susan Hildreth, president of the Public Library Association and state librarian of California.
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