Library management

Modern libraries provide their users with comprehensive and reliable information. Depending on their remit, they collect and catalogue international research literature, as well as a wide range of entertainment media such as films, comics and computer games; they archive research data and preserve cultural heritage. 

Furthermore, libraries organise events covering all aspects of information and media literacy, as well as a wide range of cultural and social topics – they actively promote democracy and social cohesion through their commitment to freedom of information, participation and sustainability. The Library profession is characterised by collaborative work focused on the common good, as well as by a unique blend of people and information technology. 

Libraries are multifunctional places for learning, education and social interaction, which, in addition to work and communication areas, often also include maker spaces, media labs, co-working areas and other spaces for creative activities. In order to be able to offer this diverse range of services, librarians work in various areas to select media and information (acquisition), make them accessible (cataloguing) and actively facilitate their use by the public (user services). 

Modern acquisition methods now enable libraries to procure, very quickly, precisely the publications and documents their users require; electronic media such as e-books, e-journals and databases, as well as audiobooks and film streaming services, are often jointly licensed by many libraries through consortia. Libraries also advocate for the widest possible open access to academic literature and operate the digital infrastructure for research data and publications. During your degree, you will explore the diverse legal and social frameworks – as well as the practical technical implementation.

Describing and cataloguing media in library catalogues (cataloguing) ensures that users can find them – even if they do not yet know exactly what they are looking for. Libraries also collaborate in consortia on cataloguing, exchanging data with one another and jointly testing new technical methods such as the use of machine learning or generative language models (‘artificial intelligence’). During your degree, you will practise various cataloguing methods and become familiar with the diverse IT systems used to process library data.

Using the library begins with the Library as a physical space: here, too, technical systems are increasingly being used; for example, RFID transponders enable users to borrow Media themselves at self-service check-out points. This allows librarians to focus more on actively imparting information through reference and training services – whether these take place in the Library or online in the form of chats, webinars and e-tutorials. During your degree, you can further develop your communication skills and engage specifically with various formats and content relating to information literacy.

A common feature of all areas of library work is that tasks are carried out in a highly collaborative manner, with the aid of modern IT solutions. Publication, data and metadata management play an important role in all areas of work. As libraries are not commercially oriented, the quality of their offerings and services, as well as their alignment with users’ needs, are always the top priority, regardless of users’ age, background or income. This makes libraries important centres for equal opportunities. Librarians work in a wide variety of contexts, always at the interface between people, Media and IT applications.

To ensure that students are well qualified for work in Libraries upon completion of the programme, the following course selection is recommended for the compulsory-elective modules:

• BIM-134 Practical Cataloguing
• BIM-253 Formal Cataloguing II
• BIM-258 Open Data & Infrastructures
• BIM-261 The Information Market and Management of Information Institutions
• BIM-266 Information Literacy II

If you choose a university library for one of your internships and write your Bachelor’s thesis on a library-related topic, then upon completion of your Degree you will be eligible for a career in the library service. This Degree enables you to become a civil servant in the library service.

Further information on career prospects in librarianship can also be found on the professional associations’ website: meinjob-bibliothek.de