New Mexico is a complex and diverse state with thriving communities and libraries. Yet, it does not have an American Library Association accredited MLS program, and has considerable state-wide socio economic challenges. Through research, and a survey of library staff in New Mexico without a masters level library degree, this project exposes barriers to education that make an advanced degree prohibitive to many. By using a critical framework to examine barriers to accessing an advanced library degree, this project contributes to contemporary conversations in order to cultivate a more equitable library and information science field.