Patrons of the Lewis and Clark Library may not think twice while using their library card to get into the computer lab or when searching the online catalogue from home, but they would probably notice if these services suddenly failed.

It's the story of Matt Beckstrom's job as network services manager -- if everything's working correctly, library users probably don't even realize he's there.

"It's one of those things, where if everything works as it should work, you don't know it," Beckstrom said. "When I do my job, I don't really have a measurable output. Things work."

Library Director Judy Hart said Beckstrom is crucial to the operation.

"We just couldn't be without him," she said. "Technology is such an important part of what we do in libraries today. He's just essential."

Beckstrom manages everything related to the computer system, and maintains the phone system and other machines at the library. He's also the friendly voice callers hear on the library's answering service.

He doesn't only keep things running. Beckstrom has been at the forefront of some large system upgrades at the institution. Last year, he switched the library to a new, stronger database system called Vubis, which manages the library's circulation, patron records, catalogue records and online access.

Beckstrom helped implement the library's security system. When patrons walk out the door, they pass through a checkpoint, where equipment reads radio-frequency tags inserted in every item. The system checks the codes against library records to ensure they've been checked out and sounds an alarm if something has been stolen.

Two years ago, Beckstrom installed a PC-reservation system, allowing patrons to swipe a library card to access computers. The system sets a one-hour time limit for users, logging them off when their time is up. He likes the system because it gives folks equal time on the computers and saves librarians from having to kick people off.

Hart said the system allows the library to give more people access to the machines -- in 2006, computer use went up 24 percent from the previous year.

"It's proven to be a wonderful addition," she said.

Beckstrom said he's always had a knack for fixing things, and he's also an avid reader. When the job opened about eight years ago, it seemed like a perfect match.

"It was one of those cool marriages of technology and books," he said.

The position has been a challenge, forcing him to learn how to repair equipment he hadn't dealt with before.

Beckstrom has other loves besides computers and books. He's finishing his second season as a string bass player with the Helena Symphony.

And a visit to his office reveals his love of "The Simpsons." Beckstrom owns scores of figurines and other paraphernalia from the long-running TV show.

"Remember when you were a kid, and they said 'collect them all'", he said. "I took that literally.

"Any good office should have toys in it," Beckstrom said.