How do you become a librarian actually?
The University Library as a training provider.
Specialist for Media and Information Services (FaMI)
FaMIs work not only in university libraries, but also in municipal libraries, among other places. Their range of tasks is correspondingly broad: They are often the first point of contact for library users and assist with research. In addition, they arrange and record media, but also plan events at public libraries and manage their social media profiles.
Librarian at academic libraries (B.A.)
B.A. librarians work in academic libraries throughout Bavaria, including university and college libraries as well as the Bavarian State Library in Munich. Their areas of work are varied. For example, they acquire media and list them so that they can be easily found in the catalogue by users. They also develop and hold courses on library use and give individual advice on literature research. In addition, they are active in public relations and support library-related IT applications.
The prerequisite for an application is an unrestricted entrance qualification for a university of applied sciences or a recognised, equivalent level of education.
Research librarian
The areas of work of academic librarians include cooperation with faculties and subject groups at colleges and universities on library issues, building up holdings in line with demand, and specialist information work in particular subjects for students and researchers. In addition, there are management and leadership tasks at academic libraries.
To apply for the preparatory service for this career in Bavaria, a university degree (e.g. master's degree, state examination; a bachelor's degree is not sufficient) is required. Having a doctorate is advantageous.
Vera Butz, Research librarian: “After my time as a research assistant, I was keen to continue working in the university environment. My job at Bayreuth University Library combines different areas of academic support, such as selecting literature and other information resources, as well as advising subject groups with the exciting possibilities of 'new' media. I particularly enjoy being invited to events held for the subject areas I supervise, and equipping students to conduct literature research and acquisition.”
UB
Common to all training paths is that they are divided into theoretical training units in Munich, and practical ones in the training library in Bayreuth or any respective Bavarian academic library. In this way, the acquired knowledge can be applied immediately. In addition, part of the practical training consists of internships in other libraries in Germany and abroad. In addition to the internal administrative training in Bavaria, some German universities also offer B.A. library studies and master's degree programmes that build on this, even as a part-time course.
Just as diverse as the paths to the library are the activities there. In addition to what is commonly associated with the library profession - book lending and customer service at the counter - the work behind the scenes offers a wide range of tasks. Meanwhile, digital services are the main focus in academic libraries. This is why an interest in topics related to data processing and information technology is now essential for future librarians.
As with all other library services, the focus is always on bringing people and information together. How can I help students find the right literature for their term papers? What do researchers need to be able to publish their papers as conveniently as possible? What does the University Governing Board need to get an overview of what is being published at the University of Bayreuth?