Meet Walter Betts, New Department Head for Library Systems and Technology

I would like to introduce Walter Betts, new Department Head for Library Systems and Technology at the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. He comes to us from the Texas Christian University and has 14 years of experience in library systems and technology. He was also the president of the Texas Library Association (TLA) in 2015.

Alexandra Pirkle (AP): As a way of introducing yourself in this current environment, what piece of media (book/movie/TV show/album/etc.) would you say best represents yourself? Why? 

Walter Betts (WB): Silverado (1985). It was filmed in New Mexico, not far from where I grew up in Arizona. It's a classic good vs evil, underdog-winning-over-establishment movie. Good racial justice themes. Not everything is what it seems to be.

AP: What three words best describe your personal aesthetic (e.g. cozy, eclectic, whimsical, vintage, etc.)? 

WB: Tech, organized chaos.

AP: What makes you most excited to work for UTA Libraries? 

WB: Everyone I've talked to is so positive.

AP: What is something about you that others would be surprised to know?

WB: I won the UTA/Arlington Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition in 1988.

Thank you, Walter! We are excited to have you on board.