If you've ever borrowed a laptop, logged in to a public computer, used library software or walked into a tech-enabled classroom at UTA Libraries, thank Library Systems & Technology (LS&T). You probably didn't see them and that's the point. 

"If we're doing our jobs right, people don't know we're here," Walter Betts, Director of Library Systems & Technology, said. "But our work touches everything." 

This team operates in the background, ensuring technology works, quietly eliminating barriers so students, faculty and staff can focus on learning, teaching and discovery. Their role may not be visible, but their impact is vital to the Libraries' mission and the university's strategic goals. 

Two Teams, One Mission 

LS&T is two departments in one: the systems team, which supports platforms and infrastructure and the tech team, which manages hardware and user-facing support. 

On the systems side, Fen Lu keeps Alma, the Libraries' digital resource backbone, up and running. Michael Hang manages digital signage and room scheduling. Matthew Duncan, the department's programmer analyst, ensures everything LS&T builds follows clean, sustainable programming practices. Richard Huntington manages more than 40 servers hosted in Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Frank Zhang supports both open-source and commercial tools hosted there. 

The tech team, overseen by Larry Lassiter, handles the hands-on tech that students and staff use daily. Kristol Derry and Geoff Guynn create and maintain Windows and Mac computer images. Ralph Castro oversees hardware repair and inventory. Karla Osornio manages the Libraries' laptop lending program, which has grown from 13 laptops to nearly 300. 

"We're supporting over 200 public computers and nearly 300 laptops," Derry said. "It's not just about the hardware; it's ensuring students can do what they need without obstacles." 

Eliminating Barriers, Not Just Fixing Problems 

A few years ago, LS&T adopted a mindset that continues to guide its work: eliminating barriers. To make life easier for others, LS&T responds to every ticket, rolls out every tool, and touches every system. 

"We try to respond to help tickets within an hour, even if it's just to say we saw it," Betts said. "It's not about rushing the fix; it's about building trust." 

Their attention to the user experience has made LS&T a vital partner across departments. From helping Grants and Assessment implement a customer resource manager system to supporting Outreach and Engagement with workflow improvements, LS&T empowers others to shine. 

"We're not the ones doing the outreach or the research," Betts said. "But we make it possible for others to do it well." 

Mentorship That Matters 

LS&T thrives because of its people. Many team members come from diverse academic backgrounds, including music, history and philosophy, not traditional tech fields. But that diversity brings perspective. 

"The more technically isolated you are, the harder it is to understand what users need," Betts said. "Our team listens first, then solves. That's what sets us apart." 

That mindset extends to student workers, who aren't just assigned tasks; they're trained to lead. 

"Our student workers are amazing," Ralph Castro said. "I'm heavily invested in their success. I want to help them be ready for what's next, whether it's in tech or not." 

Student workers learn to image computers, troubleshoot hardware and even support other users, stepping up to lead when staff are away. 

"They're not just helping out. They're part of the team," Karla Osornio said. "They take pride in what they do." 

Tech That Changes Lives 

When students borrow a laptop from the Libraries, they're not just getting a device; they're getting access to opportunity. Many rely on that technology to complete assignments, attend virtual classes or study after hours. 

"I've been that student without a computer," Castro said. "I know-how much this matters. That's why we take such pride in the laptop lending program." 

The team has also led complex projects like migrating systems from Microsoft Azure to AWS, giving the Libraries more flexibility and control. When it came time to upgrade hundreds of machines to Windows 11, LS&T delivered on time, hitting key campus deadlines. 

"The reason we can work at this level is because we have incredible people," Betts said. "They could make more in the private sector, but they're here because they care. They believe in the mission." 

How You Can Help LS&T Help You 

One of the simplest ways to support LS&T is also the most effective: submit a ticket. 

"By putting in a ticket, it helps us identify patterns, track problems, and fix things before they become big issues," Betts said.  

Also, be specific and provide details about the technical issue you are facing and the ways you have tried to solve it. These details will help LS&T staff get to the solution faster.  

And if something frustrates you, like an outdated process or a confusing system—say something. That kind of feedback helps LS&T do what it does best: remove roadblocks before anyone else hits them. 

Quiet Heroes, Lasting Impact 

Library Systems & Technology may not be the most visible department at UTA Libraries, but it is one of the most essential. They build tools that empower students, support staff and faculty behind the scenes, and hold themselves to a standard most users never even see. 

So, the next time your computer boots up or your software runs perfectly, remember the team that made that moment possible. They may not ask for the spotlight, but LS&T is always there, strengthening the Libraries and connecting them to the community.