© dbv / Janko

Career opportunities for library staff

Beginne ein neues Kapitel –
gestalte die Welt von morgen.

Professional & Personal Development Programs for Library Staff

A professional field with high social added value and numerous career paths

In order for libraries to function efficiently, you are indispensable as a qualified and committed library staff. You are not only the contact person for users, but also an important knowledge broker and service provider. You develop innovative offerings and ensure that information and education are accessible to all citizens in accordance with the principles of freedom and justice of information. You contribute to the global network of libraries, share best practices and work cooperatively to jointly develop media, data and knowledge and provide innovative services for researchers, students and the public.

In a constantly changing information landscape, you are required to be customer-oriented, open, innovative and willing to learn for life. Your impact on libraries and society is invaluable. The library career field offers a multifaceted field of activity in a lively environment and numerous further training and career opportunities for personal and professional development so that you are and remain fulfilled in your career in the long term.

Further education and training

Continuing education and training for library staff is crucial in order to keep up with the constant changes in library work. As part of the library community, you have access to a variety of continuing education resources. These include national and international regularly recurring congresses such as the BiblioCon/Library Congress, the Swiss Library Congress, the Austrian Library Congress, #vbib, the IFLA World Library and Information Congress, the EBLIDA Annual Council and Conference and the LIBER Conference. Specialist conferences of library departments, the library education forum and further training courses from state departments and library associations offer specialized further training opportunities.

Die bibliothekarischen Verbände BIB und VDB erweitern außerdem das Angebot mit vielfältigen Fortbildungsangeboten.

Auch an (Fach-)Hochschulen mit bibliotheksbezogenen Studiengängen können spezialisierte Kurse und Seminare belegt werden, um die berufliche Entwicklung zu unterstützen.

Zudem bietet der HVSV (Hessische Verwaltungs-Schulverband) den Lehrgang „Vorbereitung auf die Fortbildungsprüfung Fachwirt/-in für Informationsdienste“ an. Dieser richtet sich an Fachangestellte für Medien- und Informationsdienste, die ihre beruflichen Möglichkeiten erweitern möchten. Der Fokus liegt auf der praktischen Befähigung für anspruchsvolle Aufgaben in Bibliotheken, Archiven und Informationsdiensten. Teilnehmer:innen erlernen die Anwendung neuer Kenntnisse, Analyse- und Beurteilungstechniken sowie soziale Kompetenzen. Der Lehrgang, mit Schwerpunkt auf Bibliothekspraxis, schließt mit einer Prüfung ab und wird hauptsächlich digital angeboten, mit nur wenigen Präsenztagen pro Jahr.

Darüber hinaus sind aktuelle Termine für Fortbildungsveranstaltungen auf den Websites des Deutschen Bibliotheksverbandes (dbv) und des Bibliotheksportals zu finden. Zusätzlich sind auch andere relevante Veranstaltungen wie Buchmessen in Frankfurt und Leipzig, die Didacta Bildungsmesse, die Republica und die Gamescom von Interesse, da sie Gelegenheiten bieten, sich über Bildungstrends und Entwicklungen in der Medienwelt zu informieren.

In addition to these events specially tailored to the librarians: municipalities, universities and other institutions also offer further training opportunities that are open to all employees, be it for office products or leadership formation.

Part-time studies / distance learning & certificate courses

Nach erfolgreich abgeschlossener Berufsausbildung und gegebenenfalls bereits gesammelter Berufserfahrung in der Bibliothekswelt muss es noch lange nicht das Ende Deines persönlichen Karrierewegs sein. Du kannst ein (berufsbegleitendes) Studium mit Bachelor- und Masterabschlüssen absolvieren, promovieren oder verschiedene Zertifikatskurse (zum Beispiel in Medienpädagogik) in Anspruch nehmen, um Deine Qualifikationen weiterzuentwickeln, eine Führungsposition anzustreben oder eine wissenschaftliche Karriere zu verfolgen.

Volunteering, association and project work

Als Teil der Bibliothekscommunity hast Du zahlreiche Möglichkeiten zur beruflichen und persönlichen Weiterentwicklung durch ehrenamtliche Tätigkeiten. Die Mitarbeit in Berufsverbänden wie dem Berufsverband Information Bibliothek e.V. (BIB), dem Verein Deutscher Bibliothekarinnen und Bibliothekare (VDB) oder dem Deutschen Bibliotheksverband (dbv) bietet Chancen, neue Impulse zu gewinnen. Hier können Mitglieder in Vorständen, Landesgruppen und verschiedenen Kommissionen mitwirken.

There is also the opportunity to get involved in associations and subject-related committees in order to actively shape the library system in Germany and enrich it professionally. These voluntary activities not only promote specialist knowledge, but also contribute to professional networking.

stay abroad

A stay abroad as part of library work is possible through various funding options. Here are some of them:

ERASMUS+: Die Initiative fördert die Mobilität in Europa und richtet sich besonders an Auszubildende sowie Masterstudierende, die in den Bereichen Vermittlung und Erwachsenenbildung tätig sind, insbesondere in öffentlichen Bibliotheken. – Hier erhältst Du weitere Informationen.

BI-International: Ihre Hauptprogramme fördern fachlich orientierte Reisen ins Ausland und nach Deutschland. Darüber hinaus werden im Rahmen des Partnerland-Programms oder des einmal jährlich ausgeschriebenen Austauschprogramms „Librarian in Residence“ fachliche Begegnungen aufgebaut. – Hier erhältst Du weitere Informationen.

Deutsch-Französisches Jugendwerk: Die Organisation bietet logistische und finanzielle Unterstützung für Praktika in Frankreich, insbesondere für junge Arbeitnehmer:innen unter 30 Jahren, die erhöhten Förderbedarf haben. – Hier erhältst Du weitere Informationen.

Berufsbildung ohne Grenzen: Das Netzwerk bietet Unterstützung für Auszubildende, die Praktika im Ausland absolvieren möchten. Obwohl „Berusfbildung ohne Grenzen“ die Praktika nicht selbst finanziert, wird eine Mobilitätsberatung zur Verfügung gestellt, die bei der Suche nach Stipendien unterstützt. – Hier erhältst Du weitere Informationen.

Sabbatical

The possibility of a sabbatical for library staff is generally given by the regulations of the TVöD for federal and local authorities or the TV-L for state employees. This option allows employees to take time out from their professional obligations to develop personally and professionally. However, the exact regulations and implementation options can vary depending on the employer.

Working time models

In der Bibliothekswelt sind verschiedene Arbeitszeitmodelle möglich, die den individuellen Bedürfnissen und persönlichen Anforderungen gerecht werden und gleichzeitig höhere Flexibilität, Familienfreundlichkeit und eine verbesserte Work-Life-Balance ermöglichen. Diese Modelle können durch Gleitzeitregelungen, Teilzeitarbeit, Remote-Arbeit oder Job-Sharing umgesetzt werden. Wenn Du spezielle Wünsche für ein Arbeitszeitmodell hast, ist es ratsam, diese mit den entsprechenden Stellen, wie Vorgesetzten, der Bibliotheksleitung, gegebenenfalls Kolleg:innen, der Personalabteilung oder anderen relevanten Ansprechpartner:innen zu besprechen. Gemeinsam kann die beste Lösung erarbeitet werden. Grundsätzlich sind Bibliotheken in der Regel offen für flexible Arbeitszeiten und bemühen sich, individuelle Bedürfnisse zu berücksichtigen.

Changing jobs within the library world

Egal, ob es bedingt durch einen Umzug in eine andere Stadt ist oder aufgrund beruflicher oder persönlicher Entwicklungen oder Ähnlichem, manchmal ist ein Jobwechsel unumgänglich. Wenn Du Dich innerhalb der Bibliothekscommunity nach einem neuen, zu Dir passenden Job umsehen möchtest, ist das Jobportal „BiblioJobs“ Deine zentrale Anlaufstelle. Hier findest Du Stellenangebote aus allen Bereichen des Bibliothekswesens, für alle Positionen und in ganz Deutschland.

Here you will also find comprehensive information on the classification of employees in the library and information sector.

Bridge course for training/study qualifications acquired outside Germany

Der Brückenkurs „Ankommen in der Bibliotheksarbeit in Deutschland“ richtet sich gezielt an Fachkräfte mit einem ausländischen bibliotheksbezogenen Studium oder Berufserfahrung, die über Deutschkenntnisse auf mindestens B2-Niveau verfügen. Das zentrale Ziel dieses Kurses besteht darin, den Einstieg in das Berufsfeld Bibliothek und Information in Deutschland zu erleichtern. Im Verlauf des Brückenkurses hast Du die Möglichkeit, Deine Qualifikationen an die Anforderungen des deutschen Bibliothekswesens anzupassen. Du wirst mit den spezifischen Arbeitsweisen und Standards vertraut gemacht und kannst die notwendigen Fähigkeiten erwerben, um erfolgreich in deutschen Bibliotheken zu arbeiten. Weitere Informationen dazu findest Du hier.

Continuing to work during transition – partial retirement, retirement & new perspectives

Many experienced library staff members want to contribute their knowledge and experience beyond their regular working lives. Whether through phased retirement, reduced hours, or after retirement in projects or as volunteers – there are numerous ways to remain part of the library world.

Gleitender Übergang statt harter Schnitt: Einige Bibliotheken ermöglichen Mitarbeitenden einen sanften Ausstieg aus dem Berufsalltag – etwa über Altersteilzeit oder eine Teilrente mit Teilzeitbeschäftigung. So bleibt wertvolle Erfahrung im Team erhalten, und Beschäftigte können ihr Know-how in geordneten Bahnen weitergeben.

An example:

  • Part-time model – reduction to, for example, 50% or 60% of regular working hours over a longer period.
  • Block model of phased retirement – ​​initially a full-time work phase with reduced pay, followed by a leave phase in which pay continues.

Both options are offered in the public sector and should be discussed with the personnel department at an early stage.

Staying engaged – even after retirement, for example:

  • als Honorarkräfte in der Leseförderung, bei Bibliothekseinführungen oder Veranstaltungen,
  • über befristete Projekte oder Vertretungen (z. B. bei Elternzeit oder Übergangsphasen),
  • über einen Minijob mit regelmäßigem, aber überschaubarem Stundenumfang,
  • oder im Ehrenamt, z. B. in Freundeskreisen oder Fördervereinen.

Such models offer flexibility – and at the same time ensure that the expertise accumulated over decades is not lost.

 

Wie man konkret vorgehen kann: Wer über eine Weiterarbeit nachdenkt, sollte frühzeitig aktiv werden – idealerweise 12 bis 24 Monate vor dem geplanten Ruhestand, insbesondere bei Altersteilzeit.

  1. Seek a meeting with the library management or human resources department:
  • Discuss early on whether a part-time solution, phased retirement or a temporary assignment after retirement is possible.
  • Many institutions are open to individual solutions if there is planning certainty.
  1. If you are interested in a part-time job or freelance work:
  • Inquire directly at your own library or other institutions in the area,
  • If necessary, make a suggestion yourself ("I could take over school tours" or "I can help with onboarding").
  1. Explore volunteer opportunities:
  • via support associations or friends' groups of the library,
  • via local volunteer agencies or volunteer exchanges,
  • or ask the library directly about possible uses.
  1. Clarify legal and financial issues:
  • Of particular importance are limits on additional earnings, tax regulations and possible effects on pension payments.
  • The German Pension Insurance and staff representatives offer free advice on this matter.

 

Important sources of information and advice centers:

Partial retirement & transition to retirement

Continuing to work after retirement

Volunteering & Engagement in Libraries

 

Open job offers

Your job library that moves you

YOU! You are a designer of libraries as places of learning, inspiration and growth

The world around us is dynamic and fast-moving, but we are always one step ahead

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

We stand for work-life balance and family-friendly working conditions

Voices from our library staff

„
Ohne die Kolleginnen und Kollegen wäre die Medizinische Bibliothek ein großer Raum mit Büchern; durch das Team wird er mit Leben gefüllt, sodass er ein Ort des Lernens und Arbeitens wird.

Lana Winnacker – Abteilungsleitung Medizinische Bibliothek,
Universitätsbibliothek RWTH Aachen

„
What I value about my work in the library of the Pfennigparade Foundation is the always varied diversity, the responsibility given by the employer for the management task and the local, regional and supra-regional networking. In my work, I feel the meaning of what I do every day and have a lot of scope to shape my professional role in contact with local people and many interesting partners from near and far.

Helmut Obst – Library Director, Pfennigparade Foundation Library, Munich

„
I have loved my job as a qualified librarian and manager of a small library for 35 years! Why? Because I can support the further development of the place in which I live and work. I experience something new every day and love exchanging ideas with people! For me, challenges and changes are not only part of the job, but also sources of inspiration and growth! Our library is more than just a place to read - it is a point of contact for information, leisure, culture and encounters!

Nikola Laudien – qualified librarian & manager, community library position

„
Even after many years in the profession, my job still inspires me every day.
I particularly appreciate the variety of tasks, the awareness of doing something meaningful, the opportunity to continually explore new areas of work and, last but not least, the perfect mix of conceptual work, practical hands-on work and the chance for immediate feedback from customers.
In short: excitement, fun and meaning - everything is possible with a job in the library. Except boredom.

Vittoria Ollig – librarian, Frankfurt am Main city library

„
I enjoy working in the library because I like to pass on my love of reading. My work in the library has become more and more diverse in recent years. It ranges from working with kindergarten groups and school classes where the focus is on teaching reading skills and having fun reading, to strengthening media skills by helping with research, teaching information skills and providing advice on the selection of suitable media.

Birgit Arnold – library assistant, Meerbusch city library

„
I studied library management part-time at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences and have been managing a branch for 4 years. Through my studies I was able to build on my FaMI training and acquire new knowledge. I was also able to build a network of colleagues from all over Germany.

Laura Heller – Lesum branch manager of the Bremen City Library

„
I would never have thought that a profession could change so much in two decades. We face new, exciting challenges every day, libraries are boring!

Dr. Sophia Manns-Süßbrich – Specialist for English, American and Slavic Studies, Department of Advanced Training, Volunteer Training, Leipzig University Library

„
Working in libraries is so much more than just stocking books. Here I can express myself creatively, have a collegial working environment and every day remains exciting thanks to a wide variety of tasks.

Laura Plein – Fachangestellte für Medien- & Informationsdienste
+ Öffentlichkeitsarbeit, Stadtbibliothek Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

„
I am passionate about my job because we contribute to achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Ahmad Ata – employee of the Information Team I at the Bremen City Library

„
Whether digitalization, integration, reading or media literacy or participation, libraries offer answers to many current social challenges. We do very meaningful things with our work in libraries - that motivates me every day.

Anja Mirasch – Head of the Greifswald City Library

„
Libraries are as diverse as personal career opportunities and further development opportunities. When I started my career as head of a school library, I never expected that I would become director of the Bremen City Library.

Lucia Werder – Director of the Bremen City Library

„
I can contribute my skills and personal interests to various working groups - for example in the podcast group.

Mirko Hoppe – member of the organization team at the Bremen City Library

You are a hero because you work in a library!

  • You enable participation in social and academic life
  • You enable exchange, encounters and networking
  • You offer commercial-free offers for a diverse society
  • You create access to knowledge by curating, developing and providing information in a needs-based and professionally qualified manner
  • You open spaces for shared learning and research and provide advice on the learning, teaching and research process
  • You open up spaces for encounters and cultural experiences
  • You enable professional and cultural education through events and offer a meeting place for discourses and debates in science, culture and society
  • You promote the development of skills of library visitors
  • You preserve knowledge and cultural assets in digital and analog form
  • …
Open job offers

FAQ Bib Career

What professional development opportunities are available in my library/region?

Libraries offer a wide range of professional development and career opportunities. These range from active learning and networking at conferences to the offerings of the library's internal associations. In addition, part-time study programs and certificate courses offered by universities can offer opportunities for personal and professional development. Participation in association and project work on a voluntary basis is also an option. A career change within the library community can also contribute to personal and professional development. In any case, a conversation with the human resources manager or the library management can be helpful in order to receive support and further information if you wish to receive further training or reorientation.

For more information, click here.

You can find comprehensive information on the classification of employees in the library and information sector on the BIB website.

How much time can I spend each week on my further education/distance learning or similar without neglecting my professional obligations?

The time you have to spend each week on your further training measures, your (part-time) studies, etc. depends heavily on your individual organization and the flexibility in your professional area of ​​responsibility. It is essential to clarify and bindingly agree on the general conditions with your employer or the office responsible for your position so that your professional obligations in the library are not possibly neglected. The balance between professional development and library work should be found individually and in consultation.

How can I ensure that my employer supports or financially supports my (part-time) further training?

In order to ensure that your employer supports and/or financially supports your part-time further training, it is first important to outline the planned period and scope of the further training. You should communicate your objectives and reasons for further training, which can be both professional and personal. Show the added value for your employer or the work within the institution and explain how you can implement what you have learned in your position. It is also helpful to make concrete and feasible suggestions as to how time away from the library can be compensated for. This shows the employer that the further training fits into the overall concept and is beneficial for both sides. In any case, transparent and convincing communication of your plans and their benefits for the facility is crucial.

What type of support does the college or university offer for part-time students?

As a rule, colleges and universities offer a variety of support measures for part-time students. These include flexible schedules, evening and weekend courses, and online seminars that allow working professionals to fit their study time around work commitments. Student advisory services help with course selection and study planning. Library resources, online materials and learning platforms are available 24/7. Additional support is provided by tutorials, workshops and networking events. The exact content and scope of support varies from university to university and should therefore be requested individually from the respective institution.

Find out more about (part-time) studies here.

How can I integrate my stay abroad into my long-term professional or academic plans?

Integrating a stay abroad into your academic or professional plans is possible in various ways. For example, you can plan a semester abroad during your studies to gain international experience. An internship in another country during your studies also provides a deeper insight into how libraries around the world work. After training or as part of library work, stays abroad in the form of exchange programs or internships are possible. Finally, a stay abroad can be used as part of a sabbatical to develop personally and professionally and to gain new perspectives.

You can find out more about staying abroad and possible contact points for questions about funding here.

How can I inform my current superiors or the HR department that I consider changing jobs?

If you are thinking about changing your job within the library community, it may make sense to talk to your current supervisor or human resources manager. In this conversation you can discuss your interests, professional goals and reasons for the change. An open conversation also enables you and your superiors to discuss the opportunities and requirements for the job change, to point out perspectives and career opportunities within the current library if necessary, or to simply talk transparently about your departure.

You can find open and current positions within the library community here.

© dbv / Thomas Meyer

© dbv / Janko

© dbv / Janko

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