Career opportunities for library staff

Once you have successfully completed your vocational training and, if necessary, already gained professional experience in the library world, it does not have to be the end of your personal career path. You can complete a (part-time) course of study with bachelor's and master's degrees, do a doctorate or take advantage of various certificate courses (for example in media education) in order to further develop your qualifications, aim for a management position or pursue an academic career.

As part of the library community, you have numerous opportunities for professional and personal development through volunteer work. Participation in professional associations such as the Information Library Professional Association (BIB) , the Association of German Librarians (VDB) or the German Library Association (dbv) offers opportunities to gain new ideas. Here members can participate in boards, regional groups and various commissions.

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.

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

ERASMUS+: The initiative promotes mobility in Europe and is particularly aimed at trainees and master's students who work in the areas of mediation and adult education, especially in public libraries. - Here you get further information.

BI-International: Your main programs promote professionally oriented trips abroad and to Germany. In addition, technical encounters are set up as part of the partner country program or the "Librarian in Residence" exchange program once advertised annually. - You will receive more information here.

Franco-German Youth Office: The organization offers logistical and financial support for internships in France, especially for young employees under 30 who have increased support needs. - Here you get further information.

Vocational training without limits: The network offers support for trainees who want to complete internships abroad. Although "Berusf formation without borders" does not finance the internships themselves, mobility advice is made available that supports scholarships in the search for scholarships. - You will receive more information here.

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.

In the library world, various working time models are possible that meet individual needs and personal requirements and at the same time enable greater flexibility, family friendliness and an improved work-life balance. be implemented through flexitime arrangements, part-time work, remote work or job sharing If you have special wishes for a working time model, it is advisable to discuss these with the relevant authorities, such as superiors, the library management, if necessary colleagues, the human resources department or other relevant contacts. The best solution can be developed together. In general, libraries are usually open to flexible working hours and strive to take individual needs into account.

Regardless of whether it is due to a move to another city or due to professional or personal developments or the like, sometimes a change of job is essential. If you want to look around for a new job that suits you within the library community, the job portal "Bibliojobs" your central point of contact. Here you will find job offers from all areas of the library system, for all positions and all over Germany.

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

The bridge course "Arriving in library work in Germany" is aimed specifically at specialists with a foreign library-related studies or professional experience that have knowledge of German at least B2 level. The central goal of this course is to make it easier to get started with the Library and Information professional field in Germany. In the course of the bridge course, you have the opportunity to adapt your qualifications to the requirements of the German library system. You will be familiarized with the specific working methods and standards and you can acquire the necessary skills to work successfully in German libraries. You can find more information here.

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.

A gradual transition instead of a hard cut: Some libraries allow employees a smooth exit from their professional lives – for example, through phased retirement or partial retirement combined with part-time work. This way, valuable experience remains within the team, and employees can pass on their expertise in a structured manner.

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:

• as freelance staff in reading promotion, at library introductions or events,
• about temporary projects or replacements (e.g. during parental leave or transition phases),
• via a part-time job with regular but manageable hours,
• or in voluntary work , e.g. in circles of friends or support associations.

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

How to proceed in concrete terms: Anyone considering continuing to work should take action early – ideally 12 to 24 months before planned retirement, especially in the case of partial retirement.

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.

2. 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").

3. 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.

4. 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

• Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), Partial Retirement – ​​Gradual Transition to Retirement
• German Pension Insurance, Flexible Retirement 

Continuing to work after retirement

• German pension insurance, pension, additional earnings and other income

Volunteering & Engagement in Libraries

• Federal Association of Volunteer Agencies (bagfa)
• Federal Network for Civic Engagement (BBE)