2026 How to Become a Librarian in Utah

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Becoming a librarian in Utah is a practical career path for people who want to combine research, technology, education, and public service. The role is no longer limited to checking out books. Utah librarians help students evaluate sources, support job seekers, manage digital collections, run literacy programs, preserve records, teach information skills, and connect communities with reliable resources.

This guide explains how to become a librarian in Utah, including education requirements, school-library licensing rules, salary expectations, job demand, common work settings, scholarships, certifications, professional development options, and related career paths. It is designed for prospective students, career changers, paraprofessionals, teachers considering a library media role, and library workers deciding whether an advanced degree is worth the investment.

Quick Answer: How Do You Become a Librarian in Utah?

Most professional librarian roles in Utah require or strongly prefer a master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS), especially in public, academic, and specialized library settings.
School librarians in Utah need a valid educator license plus the Library Media K-12 Endorsement. Candidates must also complete the Praxis II: Subject Assessment Test 5311 and meet Utah State Board of Education requirements.
Utah’s librarian workforce is projected to grow by 21% from 2020 to 2030, from 1,360 employed librarians to 1,640, with about 170 annual openings expected during that period.
The average annual librarian salary in Utah is approximately $59,350. Entry-level roles may start around $28,222, while experienced professionals may earn as much as $93,314, depending on role, employer, location, and qualifications.
The University of Utah and Brigham Young University offer relevant academic preparation, including programs such as a Master's of Science in Information Systems and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a library science emphasis.

Table of Contents

Education requirements for Utah librarians
Utah licensing rules for librarians
Librarian salary in Utah
Job demand and openings in Utah
Where Utah librarians are employed
Reasons to choose this career path
Scholarships and grants for library science students
Certifications and endorsements for librarians
Advanced degrees and librarian career growth
Supplementary credentials for Utah librarians
Technology trends in Utah library services
Library science and educational practice
Teaching credentials and library careers
Teacher partnerships and library services
Online education and community outreach
Professional development resources in Utah
Interdisciplinary collaboration in libraries
Alternative careers for librarians

What are the educational requirements to become a librarian in Utah?

The typical path to a professional librarian position in Utah is a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in Library and Information Science. The MLIS is the credential most commonly associated with public librarians, academic librarians, reference librarians, digital services librarians, archivists, and library administrators.

Some entry-level library jobs, assistant roles, and paraprofessional positions may not require an MLIS. However, applicants who want long-term advancement, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized library work should expect graduate-level preparation to be important.

Path	Best for	What to expect
Bachelor’s degree plus library experience	Library assistants, circulation staff, youth services support roles, and paraprofessional positions	This route can help you enter the field, build experience, and decide whether graduate school is worth pursuing.
MLIS or related master’s degree	Public librarians, academic librarians, digital librarians, reference librarians, collection specialists, and managers	Graduate coursework usually covers information organization, research methods, user services, technology, digital literacy, and collection management.
Educator license plus Library Media K-12 Endorsement	School library media specialists in Utah public schools	This route is tied to Utah educator licensing requirements and is separate from many public and academic library hiring standards.
Related degrees or interdisciplinary study	Students interested in archives, data, education, technology, writing, or research-centered roles	Programs such as a Master's of Science in Information Systems or a Bachelor of Arts in English with a library science emphasis may support adjacent career goals.

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science: The MLIS remains the most recognized graduate credential for librarianship. It develops skills in cataloging, metadata, reference work, community programming, digital tools, research support, access services, and ethical information use.
Library Media Specialist preparation: Students who want to work in Utah schools should focus on educator licensing and the Library Media K-12 Endorsement. An MLIS can strengthen a candidate’s preparation, but school-library eligibility depends on Utah educator requirements.
Hands-on library experience: Volunteering, internships, student employment, and part-time library work matter. They help candidates understand patron service, circulation systems, programming, databases, collection maintenance, and the realities of public-facing work.
Technology and digital literacy training: Modern library roles often involve online databases, e-books, learning platforms, accessibility tools, metadata systems, community technology support, and digital preservation. Students should choose coursework and field experiences that build these skills.

A practical way to plan your route is to compare job postings before enrolling in a program. Look at requirements for Utah public libraries, school districts, universities, archives, and specialized organizations. If most positions you want list an MLIS, that degree is likely worth serious consideration. If you are still exploring, start with a library assistant role or volunteer placement before committing to graduate tuition.

Do librarians need a license in Utah?

Not every librarian in Utah needs a state license. Licensing depends on the work setting. Public librarians, academic librarians, archivists, and many special librarians are usually evaluated by education, experience, and employer requirements rather than a statewide librarian license. School librarians are different.

To work as a librarian in a Utah public school setting, candidates need the Library Media K-12 Endorsement attached to a valid Utah Educator License. The endorsement pathway is designed for professionals serving students in elementary, secondary, or special education environments.

Hold a current educator license in elementary education, secondary education, or special education.
Pass the Praxis II: Subject Assessment Test 5311.
Satisfy additional requirements set by the Utah State Board of Education.

Work setting	Is a Utah educator license typically required?	Credential to review
Public school library	Yes	Utah Educator License and Library Media K-12 Endorsement
Public library	No statewide educator license requirement	MLIS often preferred or required for professional librarian roles
College or university library	No statewide educator license requirement	MLIS or subject-specific graduate preparation may be expected
Archives, museums, government, or private organizations	Usually no educator license requirement	Requirements vary by employer and may include archives, records, data, or subject expertise

Before choosing a degree or endorsement program, confirm the requirements for the exact role you want. A candidate preparing for school library work should speak with the Utah State Board of Education or a school district human resources office. A candidate pursuing academic or public library work should review employer postings and ask whether the MLIS must be from a specific type of program.

How much do librarians earn in Utah?

Librarians in Utah earn an average annual salary of approximately $59,350. Reported pay ranges from about $28,222 for some entry-level positions to as much as $93,314 for experienced professionals. Salaries vary because “librarian” covers many different jobs, from youth services and reference work to academic research support, management, digital systems, and collection development.

Salary factor	How it can affect pay	What applicants should check
Education level	An MLIS or related graduate degree can improve access to professional and higher-responsibility roles.	Whether the job posting says the MLIS is required, preferred, or optional.
Specialization	Specialized positions may pay more. A Collection Development Librarian, for example, can earn around $61,852 annually.	Whether the role requires metadata, archives, instruction, technology, management, or subject expertise.
Employer type	Academic and specialized libraries may offer different compensation than public library systems.	Benefits, schedule, advancement structure, union or government pay scales, and contract length.
Location	Urban and higher-cost areas can offer higher salaries. Park City generally offers up to $68,201.	Cost of living, commute, housing, and whether the position is full-time or part-time.
Experience	Supervisory experience, grant work, technology skills, and program leadership can increase competitiveness.	Whether the role has a promotion ladder or caps out quickly.

Salary should not be evaluated by wage alone. Compare total compensation, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition support, professional development funding, and schedule stability. Public service roles may offer strong benefits even when starting salaries are modest.

The chart below provides additional context on the industries that reported the highest pay for librarians in 2023.

Is there a demand for librarians in Utah?

Yes. Utah’s librarian employment outlook is positive based on the figures cited for 2020 to 2030. The state had 1,360 employed librarians in 2020 and is projected to reach 1,640 by 2030. That represents 21% projected growth over the decade.

Utah is also expected to average about 170 annual librarian openings from 2020 to 2030. These openings may come from new positions as well as replacement needs when workers retire, transfer, or leave the occupation.

Utah librarian labor market measure	Figure	Why it matters
Employed librarians in 2020	1,360	Shows the starting size of the state workforce.
Projected employed librarians by 2030	1,640	Indicates expected growth in librarian employment.
Projected growth from 2020 to 2030	21%	Suggests stronger opportunity for qualified candidates entering the field.
Expected annual openings	170	Reflects both growth and replacement hiring.

Even with a favorable projection, hiring is still competitive for desirable full-time roles. Candidates can improve their odds by building experience before graduation, learning commonly used library technologies, developing public service skills, and tailoring applications to the type of library they want to serve.

Where do librarians work in Utah?

Utah librarians work in public libraries, schools, universities, state agencies, museums, archives, religious organizations, healthcare institutions, and private companies. Their core skills—finding, organizing, evaluating, preserving, and teaching information—are valuable in more settings than many students initially realize.

Public libraries: Systems such as the Salt Lake City Public Library and the Weber County Library System employ librarians for reference, circulation leadership, youth services, adult programming, community outreach, local history, digital literacy, and collection work.
Academic libraries: Institutions such as the Marriott Library at the University of Utah and the Gerald R. Sherratt Library at Southern Utah University need librarians who can support student research, faculty scholarship, databases, archives, information literacy instruction, and scholarly communication.
State library services: The Utah State Library supports statewide initiatives, grants, consulting, training, and service improvement across libraries. These positions can appeal to librarians who want system-level impact rather than a single-branch role.
Special libraries and archives: Museums, historical organizations, legal offices, medical institutions, and religious organizations need information professionals. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for example, employs librarians to manage extensive collections.
Education and youth services: School library media specialists work directly with students and teachers, combining literacy support, digital citizenship, curriculum alignment, and resource management.

If you are still comparing education options, Research.com’s guide to library science schools can help you evaluate degree pathways and understand how library science programs differ.

The chart below shows the total number of employed librarians in the U.S. from 2019 to 2023, providing broader national context for the Utah career path.

Why become a librarian in Utah?

Librarianship can be a strong fit for Utah residents who want a career centered on learning, access, service, and problem-solving. The state’s network of over 71 public libraries creates opportunities to serve urban, suburban, and rural communities with different information needs.

Reason to consider librarianship	What it looks like in practice	Who may value it most
Community impact	Helping patrons find jobs, access technology, prepare for school, discover books, use public resources, and participate in local programs.	People who want visible public-service work.
Variety of roles	Working in youth services, archives, academic research, digital collections, outreach, management, or instruction.	Students who want options beyond one narrow job title.
Technology and information literacy	Teaching patrons how to evaluate sources, use databases, navigate devices, and access online learning.	Professionals interested in digital access and lifelong learning.
Stable public and educational institutions	Libraries often operate within city, county, school, university, or state systems.	Candidates who value mission-driven institutions and benefits.
Transferable skills	Research, metadata, training, writing, records management, user experience, and data organization can apply outside libraries.	Career changers who want flexibility.

The career is not ideal for everyone. Librarians often balance limited budgets, public-facing service pressures, evening or weekend hours, rapidly changing technology, and high expectations from diverse patron groups. Before enrolling in an MLIS program, talk with working librarians, shadow a library department if possible, and review job descriptions in your preferred region.

For a broader look at related roles, advancement options, and work settings, see Research.com’s library science career guide.

Factors that strengthen a librarian's job satisfaction

Are there scholarships for aspiring librarians in Utah?

Yes. Students and library workers in Utah can look for scholarships, association funding, and professional development grants that reduce the cost of library science education and training. Availability, eligibility, and deadlines can change, so applicants should confirm details directly with the sponsoring organization before applying.

Utah Library Association Scholarship: This scholarship supports students pursuing library science education in Utah. Applicants must be ULA members and show a commitment to community service through libraries.
UPLIFT Professional Development Grant: This grant offers up to $1,000 for professional development. Eligible applicants must have lived in Utah for at least one year and must either work for a publicly funded library or belong to the Utah Academic Library Consortium. Funds may support library science coursework, conferences, workshops, or related training.
Spectrum Scholarship: This American Library Association award provides up to $5,000 for students from underrepresented groups pursuing a master’s degree in library and information studies. Utah residents who want to advance diversity in the profession may consider applying.

To lower total education costs, compare tuition, fees, transfer-credit rules, assistantships, employer tuition support, online delivery options, and scholarship deadlines. You can also review Research.com’s list of the most affordable library science master’s degree programs when comparing graduate options.

What certifications can librarians pursue in Utah?

Certifications and endorsements can help Utah librarians document specialized skills, qualify for school-library roles, or advance from paraprofessional to higher-responsibility positions. The right credential depends on your target job setting.

Credential	Best for	Key point
Library Media K-12 Endorsement	Educators who want to work as school library media specialists	This endorsement is important for Utah public school library roles and connects to educator licensing requirements.
School Library Media Administration Endorsement	Professionals preparing for leadership in school library media centers	Offered through Utah State University, this pathway includes coursework and practical preparation for the K-12 endorsement through the Utah State Office of Education.
ULA Paraprofessional Certificate Program	Library workers without a professional library degree	This two- to four-year program recognizes paraprofessional development and builds competencies in library service.

Applicants should not assume that every certificate replaces a degree. Some credentials build skills, while others are tied to legal or employer requirements. If your goal is a professional librarian role, compare certification requirements with MLIS expectations in current job postings. If you are planning graduate study, Research.com’s guide to the best online master’s degree in library science programs can help you compare flexible options.

Enhancing research libraries' efficiency and demand

Can advanced degrees propel your librarian career in Utah?

An advanced degree beyond the MLIS can be useful for librarians who want to move into higher education leadership, research, administration, policy, instructional design, or academic support roles. A doctorate is not necessary for most librarian positions, but it can strengthen preparation for senior academic work, institutional planning, assessment, and research-centered roles.

For librarians interested in university leadership or education research, an online PhD in higher education may complement library experience with training in governance, learning theory, organizational leadership, and postsecondary policy. The decision should be based on career goals, cost, time commitment, and whether target employers value doctoral preparation.

How can supplementary credentials broaden a librarian's professional scope in Utah?

Supplementary credentials can help librarians move into roles that combine information services with instruction, community education, workforce support, or school partnerships. This is especially relevant for professionals who want to work closely with teachers, design learning programs, or coordinate education-focused outreach.

For example, a librarian who regularly supports classroom instruction may benefit from understanding educator licensing pathways. Research.com’s overview of the best teaching credential programs in Utah can help readers compare cost-conscious routes if they are considering formal teaching credentials in addition to library training.

How can emerging technologies enhance community engagement in Utah libraries?

Technology is changing what patrons expect from libraries. Utah libraries may support virtual programming, digital exhibits, e-book access, online research tools, public computer services, maker spaces, databases, assistive technology, and digital literacy instruction. These services are especially important for patrons who need help navigating education, employment, government services, and reliable online information.

Virtual programming: Online storytimes, workshops, and tutorials can reach patrons who cannot visit a branch in person.
Digital collections: E-books, archives, databases, and multimedia resources expand access beyond physical shelves.
Early learning partnerships: Libraries can work with schools and pre-kindergarten programs to support literacy, family engagement, and school readiness.
Information evaluation: Librarians help patrons identify credible sources, understand misinformation, and use digital tools responsibly.

Librarians who focus on early childhood outreach may find it useful to understand how library programs connect with classroom expectations. Research.com’s guide to preschool teacher requirements in Utah provides related context for readers working at the intersection of libraries and early education.

How can librarians integrate library science with educational practices in Utah?

Library science and education overlap in several important ways. Librarians teach research skills, design learning activities, support reading development, help students use databases, and collaborate with faculty or classroom teachers. In academic and school settings, instructional ability can be just as important as collection knowledge.

Utah librarians who want to move more directly into classroom teaching or education roles should review the steps for certification before changing careers. Research.com’s guide on how to become a teacher in Utah explains the broader educator pathway for readers considering that transition.

Can additional teaching credentials boost your library career in Utah?

Additional teaching credentials can strengthen a librarian’s profile when the role involves instruction, lesson planning, youth programming, school partnerships, or substitute teaching. They are not necessary for every library job, but they may help candidates who want to work in K-12 environments or lead education-focused programs.

Before pursuing an extra credential, compare the benefit against the time and cost. A public librarian running occasional workshops may not need a teaching license. A school library candidate, however, should understand educator requirements. Readers exploring temporary or flexible education roles can review the license requirements for substitute teachers in Utah.

How can librarians support teacher development and educational partnerships in Utah?

Librarians can be valuable partners for teachers by curating classroom resources, teaching research skills, supporting media literacy, introducing students to databases, and helping educators align materials with learning goals. School and public libraries can also host workshops, reading initiatives, family literacy nights, and professional learning sessions.

Strong partnerships work best when librarians understand the pressures teachers face, including curriculum standards, assessment expectations, classroom management, and certification rules. Librarians who want deeper context can review Research.com’s explanation of teacher certification requirements in Utah.

How can librarians leverage online education to expand community outreach?

Online education tools allow librarians to reach patrons outside the library building. Virtual workshops, recorded tutorials, digital reading programs, online research guides, and remote reference services can support families, adult learners, job seekers, students, and rural communities.

Use short online tutorials to teach database searching, citation tools, digital safety, or e-book access.
Offer virtual events for patrons who face transportation, scheduling, or mobility barriers.
Partner with schools, colleges, and workforce organizations to share digital learning resources.
Track attendance and patron feedback to decide which online programs should continue.

Librarians who design online learning experiences may benefit from understanding instructional standards for remote education. Research.com’s resource on online teaching requirements in Utah offers related guidance for readers connecting library outreach with online instruction.

What professional development resources are available to librarians in Utah?

Professional development is important because library work changes quickly. New systems, databases, access models, privacy concerns, youth programming practices, and community needs require ongoing learning. Utah librarians can use state, regional, national, and online resources to keep skills current.

UPLIFT (Utah Public Library Institute For Training): UPLIFT provides training for library staff and trustees through workshops, mini-courses, teleconferences, and other learning opportunities. Topics may include technology, reference services, youth programming, and library operations.
UELMA Conference: The Utah Educational Library Media Association conference gives school librarians a venue for professional learning, networking, author engagement, and sharing instructional practices.
Southern Utah Media Specialists Conference (SUMS): SUMS supports networking and learning for media specialists, including professionals serving rural communities and smaller districts.
WebJunction: This online learning platform offers library-specific webinars and courses that librarians can complete at their own pace.
ALA/AASL Resources: The American Library Association and American Association of School Librarians provide webinars, conferences, standards, and advocacy resources for library professionals.

If you are still deciding whether to study online, Research.com’s list of the best library science distance learning programs can help you compare flexible education options.

How can interdisciplinary collaboration enhance library services in Utah?

Libraries often become more effective when they partner with professionals outside librarianship. Collaboration with educators, social workers, healthcare professionals, speech-language pathologists, workforce agencies, historians, artists, and local nonprofits can help libraries respond to real community needs.

For example, early literacy programs may benefit from collaboration with communication-development specialists, while health information workshops may benefit from partnerships with healthcare organizations. Librarians interested in child development and communication-focused outreach may find useful context in Research.com’s guide on how to become a speech therapist in Utah.

What alternative career paths can librarians in Utah pursue?

A library science background can lead to careers outside traditional libraries. Graduates often build strong skills in research, classification, user support, writing, training, database searching, records organization, and digital systems. Those skills transfer to education, technology, government, business, healthcare, publishing, museums, archives, and nonprofit work.

Alternative path	How library skills transfer	Potential Utah employers or settings mentioned
Research support	Information retrieval, literature searching, citation management, and source evaluation.	University of Utah and healthcare organizations.
Archives and records	Preservation, metadata, collection organization, and access policies.	Museums, universities, religious organizations, and government agencies.
Digital librarianship and user experience	Content organization, accessibility, search behavior, and user-centered design.	Adobe and local startups.
Content creation, grant writing, and marketing	Audience research, clear communication, information synthesis, and editorial planning.	Tech startups and mission-driven organizations.
Information management	Data organization, taxonomy, documentation, and knowledge management.	Adobe and Qualtrics.
Instructional design	Learning-resource development, curriculum support, and digital training materials.	Brigham Young University and the University of Utah.

The best alternative path depends on which part of library work you enjoy most. If you like helping users directly, consider training, outreach, or user experience. If you prefer organizing complex information, consider metadata, records management, or information architecture. If you enjoy writing and explaining, content strategy, grant writing, or instructional design may be a better fit.

Common mistakes to avoid when planning a librarian career in Utah

Mistake	Why it can hurt your plans	Better approach
Assuming every librarian job has the same requirements	School, public, academic, and special libraries may evaluate candidates differently.	Review job postings by setting before choosing a degree or endorsement.
Ignoring school-library licensing rules	A general library degree may not satisfy Utah public school requirements by itself.	Confirm the Utah Educator License and Library Media K-12 Endorsement requirements early.
Choosing a program based only on tuition	Low tuition may not offset weak placement support, limited field experience, or poor fit with your goals.	Compare cost, curriculum, advising, internship access, flexibility, and employer recognition.
Waiting until graduation to get experience	Many candidates have similar degrees, so practical experience can be a major differentiator.	Seek library work, volunteering, internships, or student employment as early as possible.
Overlooking technology skills	Libraries increasingly rely on digital resources, databases, online programming, and data systems.	Build skills in digital literacy, metadata, accessibility, learning platforms, and public technology support.
Assuming salary outcomes are guaranteed	Pay varies by location, employer, role, education, and experience.	Compare local postings, benefits, advancement paths, and cost of living.

Questions to ask before choosing a library science program

Does the program match the type of librarian role I want: public, academic, school, archives, digital, or special libraries?
Will the degree help me meet requirements for Utah jobs I am actually seeing in current postings?
If I want to work in schools, how does the program connect to the Library Media K-12 Endorsement and Utah educator licensing?
Are internships, practicums, or local library partnerships available?
Can I complete the program while working, and does the schedule support part-time study?
What is the total cost after tuition, fees, books, travel, technology, and lost work time?
Are scholarships, employer support, assistantships, or grants available?
Does the curriculum include technology, digital resources, information literacy, metadata, community programming, and management?
What career services are available for students seeking Utah-based library positions?

What librarians in Utah say about their careers

Diego describes Utah librarianship as a people-centered career where helping children and adults connect with reading and information makes the work feel meaningful. He also notes that salaries averaging around $50,000 can make the profession feel valued while still serving the public. — Diego
Kendall emphasizes that Utah library work can involve culturally responsive service, rural access challenges, and programs that reflect the state’s communities, including events connected to Native American heritage. — Kendall
Agnes points to professional development, state-sponsored training, and a supportive network as reasons she has been able to grow in the field while staying connected to lifelong learning. She also associates the profession with stability and long-term opportunity. — Agnes

Key Insights

The clearest route to a professional librarian career in Utah is a bachelor’s degree, relevant library experience, and an MLIS or closely related graduate credential.
Utah school librarians must pay special attention to licensing. Public school roles require a Utah Educator License, the Library Media K-12 Endorsement, Praxis II: Subject Assessment Test 5311, and other Utah State Board of Education requirements.
Utah’s projected 21% librarian job growth from 2020 to 2030 and about 170 annual openings suggest real opportunity, but candidates still need experience, technology skills, and a targeted job-search strategy.
The average annual salary for Utah librarians is approximately $59,350, but pay depends heavily on employer type, specialization, location, education, and years of experience.
Public libraries, academic institutions, state library services, schools, museums, archives, and specialized organizations all hire information professionals in Utah.
Scholarships and grants, including the Utah Library Association Scholarship, UPLIFT Professional Development Grant, and Spectrum Scholarship, can reduce education and training costs.
Do not choose a program based only on price or convenience. Match the credential to the specific job setting you want, confirm licensing rules, and build hands-on experience before graduation.
Library science skills can also support careers in research, archives, user experience, instructional design, content strategy, data organization, and information management.

References:

American Library Association. (n.d.). Spectrum Scholarship. Ala.org. Retrieved 9 April 2025.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: Librarians and Media Collections Specialists. Bls.gov. Retrieved 9 April 2025.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). Number of library staff in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by staff type: Selected years, 1990 through 2021. Nces.ed.gov. Retrieved 9 April 2025.

O*NET Online. (2025). Utah local salary trends for librarians. Onetonline.org. Retrieved 9 April 2025.

Statista. (2024). Number of employed librarians in the U.S. from 2019 to 2023. Statista.com. Retrieved 9 April 2025.

Utah Library Association. (2025). Scholarship Application. Ula.org. Retrieved 9 April 2025.

Utah State Library. (2025). UPLIFT Professional Development Grants. Library.utah.gov. Retrieved 9 April 2025.

ZipRecruiter. (2025). Librarian Salary in Utah. Ziprecruiter.com. Retrieved 9 April 2025.

Other Things to Know About Becoming a Librarian in Utah

What are the steps to gain certification as a librarian in Utah in 2026?

To gain certification as a librarian in Utah in 2026, you'll need a Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program, pass any required state library exams, and complete a certain number of continuing education credits as mandated by Utah's library certification board.

What are the educational requirements to become a librarian in Utah in 2026?

To become a librarian in Utah in 2026, a Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program is typically required. Some positions may also accept degrees in related fields if combined with relevant experience.