Studied library and information science

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Library studies: bachelor's, master's, doctorate & academic service

Value-oriented studies with a wide range of options

Are you interested in people and media and would you like to advocate for democratic values? Then studying library and information science could be just right for you. Studying library and information science qualifies experts who provide science and society with information and make people fit in information and media literacy.

Requirements & personal interests

Requirements: Are you interested in studying library and information science and would like to know what the formal requirements are? Most degree programs do not have admission restrictions. Both a general and a subject-specific university entrance qualification entitle you to study. Alternatively, at some universities it is possible to gain admission with sufficient practical training and experience. At every university there are contact persons specifically for prospective students. You can find them on the study program pages.

Interests: Team spirit, service orientation and a feel for social and technological trends are also required in the professional world. An affinity for IT and a deep understanding of data and text structures are an advantage.

Future prospects

The library and information career field not only opens up a promising future, but also offers an outstanding opportunity for qualified specialists, as the need for experts in this area is significantly greater than the current supply.

In public libraries, the areas of activity range from the acquisition and development of media to the promotion of language, reading, information and media skills. Cultural and program work as well as (media) management are also central tasks. In academic libraries, the activities include the acquisition and development of media, research data management, research-related services, the promotion of information literacy and the design of information infrastructures.

However, the sought-after expertise of information and communication specialists extends far beyond libraries and is also in demand in cultural and educational institutions, research institutions and companies in the information industry.

An outstanding feature of this professional field is its international networking. Your expertise is valued not only locally, but also globally. So if you are looking for a challenging, versatile and internationally oriented professional career, studying library and information science is exactly the right thing for you. Take advantage of this exciting opportunity and discover the wealth of opportunities that await you in this dynamic and future-oriented field!

Bachelor's degree full-time or part-time

A bachelor's degree in library and information science provides a comprehensive academic foundation for a career in information, documentation and knowledge. This first university-qualifying degree extends over a standard period of study of 6 or 7 semesters and qualifies graduates for senior service and equivalent salary groups in the public service, whereby public service employees benefit from stable employment relationships, attractive social benefits as well as clear and often good career prospects Benefit from work-life balance.

In Germany there are twelve state universities that offer bachelor's degree programs in this area.

Full-time bachelor's programs:

Bachelor's degree programs part-time/part-time:

Lower Saxony: Hannover University (HS Hannover), Faculty III - Information Management (part -time)
North Rhine-Westphalia: Technical University of Cologne (TH Cologne), Faculty 03i-Library and Digital Communication (BA) (practical)
Baden-Württemberg: University of Media Stuttgart (HDM Stuttgart), library and digital information (practical)
Hessen: Darmstadt University (HS Darmstadt), Department of Media - Information Science (practical)

Traineeship / traineeship

In most German federal states, training to become an academic librarian takes place through a two-year traineeship or traineeship and requires an already acquired master's degree, a university diploma, a master's degree or a state examination. During this time, prospective academic librarians receive both practical and theoretical training.

The practical parts of this training take place in a library, which allows the future librarians to gain valuable experience. At the same time, theoretical content is taught at the Humboldt University in Berlin or the Bavarian Library Academy (BAB) in Munich. The part-time master's degree program in Library and Information Science (MALIS) at TH Köln also qualifies students for higher service in libraries and other information institutions within and outside North Rhine-Westphalia.

Here you can find further information about the traineeship and the training libraries .
traineeship and the training libraries here .
Here you can find further information about the part-time Master's program in Library and Information Science (MALIS) at TH Köln

Master's degree consecutively

If you have a bachelor's degree in a library or information science course, you have the opportunity to qualify for management and leadership roles in various areas with a master's degree. The standard period of study for consecutive master's programs (i.e. those based on a bachelor's degree in the same subject) is three or four semesters.

Consecutive master's degree programs:

Master's degree part-time / distance learning

Part-time master's programs are an ideal opportunity for professional development. Those returning to the field who would like to refresh their knowledge also benefit from these programs. The standard period of study is four semesters and can be completed parallel to your professional activity.

Part-time master's degree programs/distance learning:

Further education/certificate courses

A certificate course gives you the opportunity to specifically expand your knowledge and qualifications. These courses offer you a solid, practical foundation at university level, in addition to your existing training and professional experience. They are scientifically based and geared directly to the requirements of professional practice. Within clearly defined subject areas, certificate courses provide compact and up-to-date know-how in a manageable time frame, which you can immediately apply in your everyday working life. By successfully completing these courses, you will gain qualifications for specific subject areas while working, expand your career prospects, strengthen your professional profile in the library sector and invest in lifelong learning.

Further training/certificate courses:

promotion

A doctorate in library science is only possible at the Institute for Library and Information Science (IBI) at the Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin). There are several locations to choose from for an information science doctorate, including Berlin, Darmstadt, Hildesheim, Konstanz, Regensburg and Cologne. The cross-university collaboration between professors from technical colleges and universities also enables cooperative doctorates at universities of applied sciences.

Further information on the subject of promotion:

Special forms of study

Short-track course: The short-track course in library and digital information is a special offer for specialists in media and information services (FaMIs) in the library discipline who have successfully completed their training. It is a bachelor's program shortened by two semesters, which is offered by the University of Media (HdM) in Stuttgart and by the TH Cologne and thus offers skilled workers the opportunity to further improve their professional qualifications. You can get more information about this here.

Part-time/practical studies: You can find more information about this above.

Traineeship/Volunteership: You can find more information about this above.

Bridge course: The bridge course "Arriving in library work in Germany" is aimed at specialists with a foreign library-related study or professional experience that have knowledge of German at least B2 level. The main goal of the bridge course is to facilitate the entry into the Library and Information Professional field in Germany. During the course you can adapt your qualifications to the requirements of the German library system, familiarize yourself with working methods and standards and acquire the necessary skills to work successfully in German libraries. The bridge course thus offers important support for a successful start to the library work in Germany. Here you get more information.

tuition fee

There are no tuition fees for most bachelor's and subsequent master's degree programs. However, there are semester fees per semester, which include contributions for the student union, the AStA student representation, the semester ticket and administration fees. This includes (as of 2023) an amount between 100 and 400 euros for six months. In addition, there are costs for living expenses, such as rent, groceries, leisure activities, hobbies and telephone, which vary from person to person. You can see a rough overview of the average monthly costs for life and housing here .

There are various options available to finance your studies, including BAföG, scholarships, student loans/education funds and loans. Choosing the right financing model depends on your personal situation.

One course of study, diverse content

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Politics, law, ethics, marketing, communication, IT, pedagogy… More than just 1 degree

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Practical course content & rapid direct entry into professional life

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We value and support you with all your facets and special features

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Studying at home and abroad, academic career, association work – where do you want to go?

Voices from our students

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At the beginning I thought that I was not able to work directly in direct contact with people. But after I started training and completed, I realized how much fun I enjoyed. It is incredibly valuable to practice such a varied but also routine profession. The exciting thing is to be confronted with different questions every day. No day is like the other, and you never know what new challenge is waiting for you, since everyone and every concern is individual.

Laura Schmidt - Fami City Library Andernach & currently in the Bachelor's degree in library and digital communication at TH Cologne

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The Munich City Library not only serves as a wonderful place for people to linger and be inspired. It is also a special place to realize yourself in a professional context and to come into contact with nice people every day - be it in the team or with the diverse clientele.
There are also cross-departmental opportunities to introduce ideas and concepts into the entire system and get to know the full diversity of the city library.
I've been thinking for a long time that there are hardly any better places to work than this, whether in training, as a trained FaMI or as a qualified librarian.

György Kövesdi - FaMI Munich City Library & currently in distance learning for a bachelor's degree in library science at the FH Potsdam

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In the Library and Information Management degree program, students are qualified to become critically thinking experts through the intensive supervision and support of teachers who are informed about current trends and developments in the professional field, who can react flexibly to changes and solve problems independently. This means we are fit for the future.

Student library and information management, HAW Hamburg

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Inclusion, Gaming, New Adult, Book Tok or Tonies - all terms that didn't exist when I was studying (1992 - 1995)! A wide variety of tasks and challenges from team building to media selection, information service or organization of events in the midst of a constantly changing media world and with very different people of all ages in a very open, discussion-loving and multicultural urban society like Tübingen, which you can inspire through your personal commitment - that's what it does I still have as much fun as I did on the first day!

Sigrid Player - Team leader of the children's and youth library, Tübingen City Library

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I think that the teachers taught us valuable content with a lot of enthusiasm, passion and a touch of pragmatism. Always with an eye on practice, they supported us in both student and private aspects. Studying was exciting, exciting and definitely worthwhile!

Sandra Rümmele – Graduate in Library and Information Management HAW Hamburg, Central Medical Library of the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)

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What I particularly like about the Library and Information Management course is the close exchange with the teachers, which enables individual support, as well as the internship in the 3rd semester, which offers the opportunity to gain practical experience early on and incorporate it into further studies.

Student library and information management, HAW Hamburg

Application process for your studies

1. Interests & Access

Are you interested in studying in the library field? Check the specific requirements of your desired university and, if necessary, contact the admissions office directly. You can find out how you can study without a high school diploma here . And if you have a foreign school qualification, find out about the requirements .

2. University choice

There are many library courses and universities. It is often a challenge to maintain an overview. Check out our website and directly at the universities to find out more. Also consider whether a change of residence is an option for you and what specialization you are aiming for. Career advice and discussions with family and friends can be helpful in making the decision.

3. Application & waiting times

Enrolling at a German university is a formal act. Deadlines and documents to be submitted must be strictly observed. Inquire about these details at the enrollment office of your desired university early on. The enrollment offices often also publish a schedule where you can see when you can expect an acceptance or rejection.

4. Housing, financing, part-time job

Got a place to study? Welcome to the library community! Now it's time to clarify organizational issues. Find out about government funding such as BAföG or scholarships from various foundations and institutions. For further details about finding accommodation, leisure activities and part-time jobs, please check the website of your future city or municipality.

FAQ Bib Studies

What are the entry requirements for studying library and information science?

To study library and information science, you usually need a general or subject-specific university entrance qualification. Some universities also accept applicants with practical professional experience. The course usually has no admission restrictions, which offers you flexibility when choosing a university. At every university there are contact persons specifically for prospective students. You can find them on the study program pages.

What tuition fees and costs apply?

There are generally no tuition fees for studying library and information science, neither for bachelor's nor for postgraduate master's courses. However, studying is not free. Semester contributions must be paid per semester, which consist of contributions for the student union, the AStA student representation, the semester ticket and administration fees.

The total cost of studying also includes living costs and expenses for study needs. The 22nd social survey from 2023 showed average monthly costs of 410 euros for rent, 198 euros for food, 100 euros for health, 89 euros for mobility, 65 euros for leisure, culture and sport, 46 euros for clothing, 31 euros for telephone and Internet and 31 euros for learning materials. These costs vary depending on the university location and field of study.

How is the library and information science course structured?

If you decide to study library and information science, the structure will be significantly influenced by whether it is a bachelor's degree, a traineeship or traineeship, or a postgraduate degree. All of these programs are designed to give you a comprehensive overview of the various potential fields of work and offer special opportunities for in-depth study.

The training places a clear focus on practical orientation and offers various models to integrate the practical aspects. Depending on the course offering, there is the option of completing the practical training either parallel to the theoretical studies or in successive blocks. These modalities can vary depending on the university.

In addition, it is always worth taking a look at the individual curriculum of the course of study. Here you can often find additional options that can meet your personal interests and professional goals.

How can I finance my studies?

There are various options available to you to finance your studies in library and information science.

BAföG: One option is BAföG, where the state supports the initial training. Your eligibility depends on income, assets, age and nationality or residence status. More information can be found here .

Scholarships: Scholarships are another financing option, and the advantage is that they do not have to be repaid. The German National Academic Foundation is the largest organization supporting gifted students. There are also special scholarships, such as the one for pioneers or the advancement scholarship . You can search for further opportunities in the e-fellows.net scholarship database

Loans / Student Loans: Various banks offer student loans. The education loan is another option. The KfW student loan is funded at state-recognized universities regardless of income. There is also an education fund for students with good performance.

Job: During the semester you can work for up to 20 hours per week. EU students do not need a work permit, while students from non-EU countries and Croatia have certain restrictions. After graduating, international students can work in Germany for up to 18 months. There is also the EU Blue Card for graduates from non-EU countries with special skills.

“Dual” study options: Libraries occasionally advertise positions for a “dual” bachelor’s degree or for a traineeship/traineeship with a master’s degree. You will receive a training salary for these positions. Look out for these job postings on BiblioJobs .

Where will I live during my studies?

Maybe you have to move for your studies and are therefore looking for a suitable apartment or room. The usual platforms for students to look for accommodation are ideal, as are the affordable dormitories offered by the student unions. Since these can be snapped up quickly due to high demand, it is advisable to start your search in good time. It could also be useful to pay attention to notices in universities, as, for example, shared apartments are looking for new residents or graduates want to pass on their apartment.

As soon as you can specify the start of your studies, it could also be advantageous to get in touch with the student groups in your department. There you have the opportunity to obtain valuable information about the areas in which students usually live, and you can specifically search for shared apartments. Also keep in mind that many students complete their studies in the summer and apartments or rooms become available. An early search can therefore be particularly useful in cities with a tight housing situation.

What is the difference between academic service and librarian?

In the public service, a distinction is made between the academic and the so-called “upscale” library service. Senior librarians usually have a bachelor's degree in the library field. For positions in “higher” or academic library service, at least a master’s degree is required. This can be a consecutive master's degree or a postgraduate master's degree in library/information science. Postgraduate here means that it builds on a first degree (bachelor's, master's, doctorate...) in another field of study. You can acquire such a degree as part of an MA-LIS course at the HU Berlin or the TH Cologne, possibly also as part of a library traineeship or traineeship.

What job prospects does a degree in library and information science offer?

With a degree in library and information science, you have diverse and future-proof job prospects in academic and public libraries. There are also career paths in cultural and educational institutions as well as research institutions. Here you can get a current overview of the open job offers.

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

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