Lukas Burkhardt – BA Library and Information Management, Library of the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS)

Professional background & career.

In fact, becoming a librarian wasn't actually my dream—my passion for the job only came from studying and working there. After graduating from high school, I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do, so I researched the administrative degree programs offered by the Free State of Bavaria and found the library program appealing. Looking back, I'm still very happy with my choice!

I studied "Library and Information Management" at the Bavarian University of Public Administration and completed my internship at the library of the Technical University of Munich. Over time, it became clear to me that I would be better suited to working at a smaller institution. So, I was very happy when, at the time of my graduation, a position was advertised at the library of the Technical University of Würzburg-Schweinfurt, where I have now been working for about four and a half years. I originally started in the area of ​​Open Access & Publication Services, but now I also work in many other areas (such as IT and public relations). In the meantime, I also accepted a teaching position at my old university, where I was able to teach "Content Management Systems."

Throughout my career, I've repeatedly been able to experience new facets of library work. What has particularly impressed me, and what I want to incorporate into my work, is the creation of new services to expand and continually improve the library's already extensive offerings. For me, a library remains a collector and disseminator of knowledge, but it is also a service-oriented provider that keeps its customers in mind and strives to offer them the best possible service.

Learn more about the library at the Würzburg-Schweinfurt University of Applied Sciences (THWS) here.
Image credits for the featured image: Lukas Burkhardt: © Lukas Burkhardt

Personal experiences

I find it exciting that libraries aren't "commercial places." It's not about selling products for profit, but about helping everyone and supporting them in the way they need it. This gives us the opportunity to think outside the box when designing services.

I remember a specific situation from my time at university: I enjoyed watching short documentaries. In a source list for an episode I particularly enjoyed, the Bavarian State Library appeared as a source. Without its holdings, it probably wouldn't have been possible to produce the episode! For me, this symbolized the enormous importance of libraries in the context of preserving and making knowledge available—and reaffirmed my belief that I had made a good choice of degree program.

Particularly memorable are the projects I was able to work on during short internships at the library of the Augustana University of Applied Sciences in Neuendettelsau and the Ansbach State Library: These involved digitizing documents from the Nazi era and preparing various historical maps for digitization. Working with the historical holdings was a special experience for me, as it gave me a striking insight into the contemporary historical relevance of libraries.

Meaning & added value.

I find working in the library very meaningful, as I constantly feel like I can help people in a variety of ways. I especially like that my work allows me to contribute to research support at my university.

In my view, libraries make a comprehensive contribution to society. Because knowledge is not only collected but also made easily accessible, everyone can benefit. Libraries support schoolchildren and students, and thus, at the same time, the future. For me, libraries also offer a unique selling point in our society: They are places of gathering that are not tied to consumption and are therefore truly there for everyone.

For me, this is most evident when I look at our clientele: In addition to university members, our reading room also includes many external users who gladly take advantage of our services and spend time in the library.

Recommendations.

I can recommend working in a library because it's very diverse and meaningful. Library work has so many different facets, each with its own charm! And at the end of the day, I'm sure you'll always find added social value in your work.

I don't think I've ever met a colleague who is unhappy working in a library. I think that's saying something! Plus, working in a library is so much more than keeping quiet and shelving books. Try things out, find out for yourself, and break down these prejudices together. 😉

You should be open to new things, and a strong sense of service is also ideal. Reading as a hobby is not a must!

Teamwork and effective communication are also extremely important in a library, as all departments interact with each other. In a well-functioning team, work is not only more efficient, it's also more enjoyable.

Developments & future prospects.

Libraries will always exist! Especially when looking for reliable information, there's no getting around them. The working environment may continue to shift from the physical to the digital, or be transformed by technological innovations such as more comprehensive software or AI, but this too presents its own challenges and opportunities. I look to the future with both calm and excitement.

I find it exciting that libraries aren't "commercial places." It's not about selling products for profit, but about helping everyone and supporting them in the way they need it. This gives us the opportunity to think outside the box when designing services.