Kim Nitschke – Volunteer at the University and State Library of Saxony-Anhalt
Professional background & career.
I have currently been a volunteer at the University and State Library in Halle since October 2023. But my librarian career began much earlier. In 2018 I started as a student assistant in the ULB Halle warehouse and worked there for four years alongside my literary studies. I've always wanted to do something with books, as the saying goes. But my work as an assistant showed me that the library is so much more than just books and that there is so much exciting stuff there. And so I decided that I wanted to work in a library. After graduating, I went north. In 2022 I was hired as an employee in the small town library in Zingst. There I was faced with new challenges. Not only was I a career changer, but until then I had only known work in an academic library. Nevertheless, I was quickly allowed to take on some tasks. In a small library everyone does everything, but areas like event planning and financial overview were my main tasks. So after eight months I became deputy head of the library. But when the traineeship at the ULB Halle was advertised again, I had to take this opportunity to further my training in the library world.
Find out more about the University and State Library of Saxony-Anhalt here.
Photo credits for featured image Kim Nitschke: © Uwe Hämsch / University and State Library of Saxony-Anhalt
Personal experiences.
What I appreciate most about library work is how much it shows you time and time again that the library is more than its stereotype.
You don't just work with books anymore. It ranges from programming exercises for primary school children with BeeBots to research data management. An event that I always like to remember from my time in the Zingst City Library was the review of the Leipzig Book Fair 2023. Together with a colleague, I went to the Leipzig Book Fair to get an insight into the latest developments on the book market but also to discover books and other media that are not in the mainstream.
We were then able to present our favorite finds to a large group of interested people. It was the perfect fusion of work and private passion. Now in the ULB Hall, it was a very special feeling to give introductions to students in the branch library, where I spent most of my time during my studies. It felt like yesterday that I took part in this introduction myself and suddenly I find myself on the other side.
Meaning & added value.
Library work is fundamentally extremely user-oriented and tries to cover and support as many needs as possible. Since there are many different types of users, the range of services on offer is correspondingly large. What I find particularly exciting is the ever-increasing turn to open access and, in the same context, the many digitization projects. Accessibility as a core task of libraries is being completely rethought.
Recommendations.
Library work is as diverse as the people who work in this area. Of course, there are basic tasks like cataloging or counter service. Nevertheless, at least based on my previous positions, I also see a lot of potential to contribute my own strengths and interests. In addition, work is constantly changing. I therefore see adaptability and flexibility as important skills.
Developments & future prospects.
The Open Access movement will continue to have a major impact on the library world. In my opinion, books will never completely disappear from libraries, but they will continue to move out of focus. The changing needs of users will also continue to shape the library's services. The change towards the library as a learning space or third place is already causing us to rethink workplaces and the presentation (or non-presentation) of inventory.
There are many ways one can enter the library world. That's why you shouldn't be discouraged if it doesn't work right away.
