J. Willard Marriott Library

The first University of Utah librarian was appointed in 1850, the same year the school was founded. University president John R. Park opened a library and reading room stocked with his personal collection of books on loan to the university in 1874. The library moved to the LeRoy Cowles Building in 1900 and the George Thomas Library Building in 1935, both on Presidents Circle. The current five-story building was opened in 1968 and was named for J. Willard Marriott in 1969 when he contributed $1 million for library collections, the largest single contribution ever received by the university at that time.

The library was expanded 210,000 square feet (20,000 m2) in 1996, which almost doubled the library's size, and was expanded again during a major renovation between 2005 and 2009. The purpose of this renovation was to improve the seismic stability of the building, provide clearer pathways through the building, improve environmental controls, and allow for more natural light. Several additions were also made to the building including an automated storage and retrieval system that can store up to 2 million items, a larger computer lab, additional classrooms and teaching labs, a new indoor café, a rooftop garden, and additional study areas including the George S. Eccles Grand Reading Room.

Book Arts Studio, seeks to combine traditional bookmaking techniques with modern aestethics and technology, and "champions wide-ranging explorations of the book." The Book Arts Studio's allows patrons to utilize letterpress, type, photo engravings, and bookbinding equipment and also promotes various community outreach programs and events.

Family Reading Room is reserved for the University of Utah's students, staff and faculty, to bring children they may have under 12 and allow those patrons to get work done while their children present. The room provides desktop computers, a printer, family study rooms, as well as a lactation room that can hold up to four people. Children must be present in order for a parent and/or guardian to utilize the room, and are responsible for the safety and behavior of their child.

Knowledge Commons, located on the second floor of the Marriott Library, and acts as the main service desk for research and technology assistance. The Knowledge Commons provides: printing, scanning, and software support, devices and/or equipment available to be checked out, mobile phone and laptop configuration, and classroom support.

Protospace provides staff and faculty of the University of Utah with access to a wide variety of prototyping tools, digital media technology, staff assistance, and resources. It is located on level 1, suite 1705 of the Marriott Library and offers weekly lectures and events, as well as creation/fabrication activities such as: 3d printing scanning, podcast & video production, vinyl cutter, virtual reality, sewing machines, and more.