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FAMI training in the library
Start a new chapter –
shape the world of tomorrow.

FaMI – Specialist for media and information services
Diverse training with added value
If you like working with people, are open-minded and service-oriented and are interested in all kinds of analog and digital media, then the vocational training to become a specialist in media and information services (FaMI) is exactly the right thing for you!
Die FaMI-Ausbildung ist ein staatlich anerkannter Beruf (gemäß BBiG) und bietet fünf verschiedene Fachrichtungen, wobei die Spezialisierung „Bibliothek“ besonders relevant für Bibliotheken ist. Die Ausbildung erfolgt im dualen System, wodurch die Auszubildenden neben ihrer praktischen Arbeit in der Bibliothek die Berufsschule tage- oder blockweise besuchen. Die Ausbildungszeit beträgt in der Regel 3 Jahre, kann jedoch unter Umständen auf 2,5 Jahre verkürzt werden.
After successful completion, a variety of career opportunities open up in public and academic libraries as well as in special libraries. But FaMIs are also in high demand in other institutions that obtain and process information.
Content & activities
The tasks of FaMIs include in particular:
- the communication of media and information
- the acquisition of media
- the development of media
The professional field also includes inventory maintenance and presentation as well as technical media processing. In public libraries in particular, FaMIs are responsible for implementing measures to promote reading, teaching information and media skills and organizing events.
In short, as FaMI you ensure that various analogue and digital media are available and easily accessible in the library. You are the contact person for visitors and help with research and use of the library's offerings. You promote media literacy, adapt offers to the needs of society and stay up to date with the latest technology. You also organize and plan events. It's a varied and never boring job!
You can find further information and the framework curriculum for the FaMI vocational training here.
Requirements & personal interests
An application for a FaMI training place often begins with the words “I have been reading since I was a child” or with “I love books more than anything”. We are very pleased about this and the interest in the printed word is undoubtedly a very good basis. But to work in a library, you must first and foremost enjoy working with a wide variety of people. We are open houses and everyone comes to us regardless of their age, gender, cultural and socio-economic background, worldview, whether with or without physical impairments. This diversity enriches us and sets us apart!
You'll fit in well in a library if you're respectful, appreciative and highly service-oriented. We need your interest in digital information systems and different media formats as well as your interest in technical innovations. You should be communicative, open and a team player. Multilingualism is valued in libraries, as is the enjoyment of participating in and organizing events.
If you want to get involved in the further development of libraries, advocate for free access to information and knowledge, enable participation and stand for equal opportunities, then apply for a training position in a library today!
Vocational school & place of work
The training takes place in the dual system, which means that in addition to their practical work in the library, the trainees attend vocational school on a daily or block basis. At vocational school you will acquire a lot of theoretical knowledge and often work in groups on various projects. There are 14 vocational schools nationwide that train FaMIs.
In the middle of the second year of training you will take the obligatory intermediate examination. At the end of your vocational training there is the final exam, which consists of a written and a practical exam in three areas:
- Procurement and preparation of media and information
- Providing and communicating media and information
- Economics and social studies
During the practical phases you will work in the library. In larger libraries, you will gradually be guided through different teams, departments and branches of the institution. In smaller facilities you are directly involved in what is happening. Many training libraries also offer the opportunity to complete additional internal and external internships depending on your interests and inclinations.
Click here for an overview of training centers and vocational schools.
Facts, duration, salary
- FaMI is a state-recognized training occupation in accordance with the Vocational Training Act (BBiG)
- There are 5 different disciplines: library, archive, information and documentation, medical documentation, picture agency
- It is a dual vocational training program in which theory and practice run parallel
- The duration of training is usually 3 years and can be shortened to 2.5 years if necessary
- There is an intermediate and a final exam
- The average training allowance is:
- Training year: €1,068 gross
- Training year: €1,118 gross
- Year of training: €1,164 gross
Internship & Voluntary Services (FSJ)
Internship: Would you like to get a taste of library work to get a more concrete picture of the activities, be it during your time at school, your studies or your retraining? Then an internship in a library is a great way to gain practical experience. The best thing to do is to inquire directly about the possibilities of an internship at your local library of choice. Since libraries are in high demand as internship locations, we recommend that you look for an internship well in advance. Here you will find an overview of the libraries including the relevant contact persons that offer internships.
Voluntary service: In addition, many libraries offer the opportunity to do voluntary service in the library, for example in the Federal Voluntary Service or in the Voluntary Social Year. In this way, you can get to know the offers and tasks in libraries first hand, receive a small salary and other social benefits and get involved in society! You can find more information about this on the website of the Federal Office for Family and Civil Society Tasks , at the Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth , at various organizations in your region (e.g. volunteer agencies, the German Red Cross, etc.) and of course in your libraries !
Career entry, studies, perspectives
Once you have successfully completed your FaMI training, a wide range of professional opportunities are open to you. You can work in public and academic libraries in the public sector or in the private sector. You can also find employment in special libraries such as parliamentary, museum or court libraries. But FaMIs are also in high demand in other institutions that obtain and process information. In general, the chances of being taken on after successful training are extremely good! Here you can get a first impression of the currently open job offers.
If you would like to gain further qualifications after your vocational training, there are numerous options available to you. You can complete a (part-time) course of study or continue your education in various certificate courses (e.g. media education) and further training (digitalization, diversity, media law, communication, management, etc.). Many libraries support your professional development with financial and/or time resources. Feel free to talk to your manager or contact person for personnel development about this.
FaMI – What else?
Customer service, events from 0 - 99, social media, PR, IT, AI, robotics, ... We have more than books!
FaMI: above-average completion and acceptance rates
We value and support you with all your facets and special features
We live democracy, sustainability & digitalization
We are your safe employer in often uncertain times
Internships at home and abroad, further training, studies – where do you want to go?
Voices from our trainees
Application process for your FaMI training
1.
Preparation
Find out about the library career field and find training positions on job portals . You can also visit the library of your choice in person to get a better impression, and make contacts at training fairs and school events. Internships and voluntary services also offer the opportunity to get to know the professional field in more depth.
2.
Application
The application processes in training libraries vary depending on the location. If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact the specified contact person and clarify the details. Keep an eye on application documents and deadlines. Emphasize your professional interests and values in your application. Preparatory aptitude tests are common, with libraries supporting you with material and exercises.
3.
Personal introduction
If your application is successful and your test result is sufficient, you will be invited to a personal introductory interview in the library. Nervousness is normal, but fear is not necessary! It's about getting to know each other so that you can also check out your potential training company. Bring questions and examples to demonstrate your suitability and sharing our work values.
4.
Contract & start into your new chapter
Have you received a confirmation? Congratulations on your vocational training! Your contact person for recruitment matters will discuss the contract details and register you for the vocational school. If you move, for example, the city or municipal website can help you find accommodation. If it didn't work out this time, try again next year and/or volunteer at the library to increase your chances.
FAQ FaMI
How and where do I find the right library for my FaMI training?
Are you looking for a training position as a FaMI? We're really glad! You can find libraries that provide training in the database of training centers, internships and study opportunities in the area of archives, libraries and documentation (DAPS) with the corresponding contact details. You can also inquire directly from the libraries in your (desired) place of residence or get in touch with the exhibiting libraries at training fairs.
How do I apply successfully?
Training libraries want to get to know you as best as possible, despite the limited options for a written application. During the application process, it is helpful to consider the following questions:
- Why are you interested in the profession and which activities appeal to you most?
- Do you share the values of librarianship and can you illustrate this with examples or situations?
- What defines you as a person and what characteristics of yours can enrich the libraries?
- What else would you like to work on and what skills would you like to expand on?
- What do you want from the training company and your future team?
It often helps to talk to family members, partners or friends in preparation for an application, for example to clarify the question of what qualities they particularly value in you.
How much do I earn from my vocational training as a FaMI?
The average training salary is:
- In the 1st year of training: €1,068 gross
- In the 2nd year of training: €1,118 gross
- In the 3rd year of training: €1,164 gross
Is it possible to go abroad during the FaMI training?
During a stay abroad you develop enormously, both personally and professionally. Many training libraries value this acquisition of skills and support internships abroad. Ask your training manager about the exact options and guidelines. You can find funding programs on the following pages:
What financing options are there during the FaMI training?
You may not be able to make big leaps with your training allowance, but it should be enough to get you through your vocational training well.
Of course, you can also apply for social benefits such as housing benefit or vocational training allowance (BAB) . Unfortunately, trainees in the dual system are not entitled to Bafög funding (according to the Federal Training Funding Act).
How and where do I find an internship in a library?
Would you like to get to know the activities in a library better? You are welcome to do an internship in libraries to gain concrete insight. The best thing to do is to find out about the options directly from your desired library. Since internships in libraries are in high demand, we recommend applying for them early on. You can also find libraries that offer internships and their contact details in the database of training centers, internships and study opportunities in the area of archives, libraries and documentation (DAPS) .
Can I volunteer at the library?
Many libraries offer the opportunity to complete voluntary service (Federal Voluntary Service, Voluntary Social Year, etc.). In this way, you can get to know the offerings and activities in libraries, receive a small remuneration and at the same time get involved in society.
You can find further information about volunteer service on the website of the Federal Office for Family and Civil Society Tasks , the Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth , at various organizations in your region (such as volunteer agencies, the German Red Cross, etc.) and of course in yours Libraries.
Can I study with a completed FaMI training?
With a general university entrance qualification you can generally study at a university in Germany. If you started your vocational training with a secondary school leaving certificate (MSA) or an extended secondary school leaving certificate, there are still options for studying without a high school diploma. For example, you can complete the short-track course in library and digital information . This is a special offer for specialists in media and information services (FaMIs) in the library department who have successfully completed their training.
Die genauen Regelungen für den Zugang zum Studium ohne Abitur kannst Du an den Hochschulen oder beim Kultus- bzw. Wissenschaftsministerium des jeweiligen Bundeslandes erfragen. Außerdem bietet der Online-Studienführer „Studieren ohne Abitur“ eine gute Übersicht über die Zugangsvoraussetzungen der einzelnen Hochschulen.
Where can I study if I have completed FaMI training?
Please find out more about the wide range of study options in our “Study” .

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