Bibliotheks-, Informationswissenschaft (grundständig)

Publications in this field include b.i.t. online - Bibliothek, Information, Technologie, BIBLIOTHEK Forschung und Praxis, Bibliotheksdienst, Bibliotheksportal, BuB - Forum Bibliothek und Information, LIBREAS. Library Ideas - Online-Magazin, Mein Job Bibliothek, and Zeitschrift für Bibliothekswesen und Bibliographie (ZfBB).

This undergraduate (grundständig) program is offered at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). Learning takes place both at the university (lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries) and at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses).

This is an undergraduate (grundständig) program that can be pursued at universities or universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), with a standard study period of 3-4 years. The undergraduate field of Library and Information Science provides fundamental scientific knowledge in the research, indexing, dissemination, storage, and management of media and information. This field can sometimes be combined with other subjects. Possible undergraduate programs include Library and Information Management, Library and Information Science, Library Science, Library and Digital Information, Library and Digital Communication, and Information Science. Admission requirements for universities include the general or, if applicable, subject-specific university entrance qualification (Hochschulreife); for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), at least the university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) is required. In some cases, passing an internal university selection process may also be necessary. The study content involves students attending various courses.

Core competencies acquired during the study include collection development (archive, library), collection inventory (archive, library), collection selection (archive, library), collection maintenance (archive, library), bibliography, information and communication management, information sciences, cataloging, collection indexing (archive, library, museum), knowledge management, research, information retrieval, and systematization. Other competencies that may be relevant for future professional practice include applying library and archive software, using content management systems (CMS), content marketing, database development, data literacy, documentation (archive, library), calculation, customer consulting and support, marketing, market research, microfilming, public relations, project management, signing, social media communication, and title registration. Additionally, the competence group 'Databases, Data Management Systems' is also relevant.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. According to the German Federal Statistical Office's statistics on examinations at German universities for the examination year 2024, the average actual duration of study is 8 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administrative fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student body, semester ticket), and potentially tuition fees. Fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree, or after consuming a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the German Student Union (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and through the Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Compulsory modules include, for example: information and reference services in libraries, collection development and acquisition management, library informatics, library and information ethics, library policy and library sociology, information retrieval, information marketing, media literacy promotion, media management, metadata management, open access and open science, typology and structures of the German library and information system. Elective modules include, for example: book and library history, historical collections, international library and information system. Practical study content: Depending on the university, internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in archives).

Students should prepare for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures and seminars during the semester in university lecture halls and seminar rooms; possibly participate in online courses from home. Independent work: preparing and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, developing, implementing, and documenting projects, writing essays (also during the lecture-free period). Organization: independently planning the study within the given study structure, adhering to deadlines and study periods, timely completion of study and examination achievements (self-discipline and organizational talent required). Career preparation: possibly completing internships (e.g., in archives, libraries, or documentation centers), preparing for career entry.

The following study fields can be alternatives for Library and Information Science (undergraduate): In the field of Archive, Library, and Documentation: Archival Science (undergraduate). Commonality: acquiring knowledge in the research, indexing, and dissemination of media and information, as well as practical knowledge in IT-supported provision and processing of information. In the field of Print and Media: Book Science (undergraduate), Media Science (undergraduate), Communication Science (undergraduate), Media Informatics (undergraduate). Commonality: acquiring knowledge in areas such as media management, media history, media law, and media theory. In the field of Hardware and Software Development: Digital Humanities/Computer Philology (undergraduate). Commonality: gaining knowledge about the digital indexing of information.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful study: German (e.g., text comprehension and grammar), Computer Science (e.g., data structures, algorithms, or programming languages), English (e.g., reading, understanding, and writing foreign language texts), Mathematics (e.g., for statistical and information technology study content), Economics/Law (e.g., to facilitate access to management topics).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. The following topics are relevant, for example: communication, presentation. Elective and optional modules such as public relations can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in archives, libraries, or documentation centers, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university).

The undergraduate study program in Library and Information Science provides fundamental scientific knowledge in the research, indexing, dissemination, storage, and control of media and information. It leads to a first university degree. The study program can partly be combined with other subjects.

Examples of study programs in this field include: Library and Information Management (Bachelor), Library and Information Science (Bachelor), Library Science (Bachelor), Library and Digital Information (Bachelor), Library and Digital Communication (Bachelor), Information Science (Bachelor).

Depending on the university, the study subject Library and Information Science can be combined with other subjects such as: English and American Studies (undergraduate), Business Administration (undergraduate), Educational Science (undergraduate), Computer Science (undergraduate), Philosophy, Ethics (undergraduate), Physics (undergraduate).

For Bachelor graduates in Library and Information Science, various fields of activity are available in the private sector and public service, such as information acquisition, indexing, processing, or press and public relations.

In the early 19th century, the foundations of modern library science were laid by figures like the former Benedictine monk Martin Schrettinger, aiming to catalog library holdings by author and location. In the late 19th century, a professorship for auxiliary library sciences was established, classifying book and library historical disciplines as historical-philological subjects. The importance of contemporary book studies increased, leading to the qualification of academic librarians through preparatory services for civil servants or as university further education. By the mid-20th century, independent degree programs in library science were established. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees, and introducing Bachelor's and Master's degree programs.

Key professional associations and organizations in this field include: Berufsverband Information Bibliothek e.V. (BIB), Hochschulverband Informationswissenschaft e.V. (HI), Verein Deutscher Bibliothekarinnen und Bibliothekare e.V. (VDB).

The degree awarded for this program is Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

If you discontinue your university studies (Studium), the following vocational trainings (Ausbildung) can be alternatives: In the field of archives, libraries, and documentation, a State-Certified Assistant for Technical Communication, a Specialist for Media and Information Services specializing in Archives, a Specialist for Media and Information Services specializing in Libraries, or a Specialist for Media and Information Services specializing in Information and Documentation. Common aspects of these professions include library, archive, and information management, acquiring and processing information, and working with databases. In the field of office and secretarial work, a Communication Assistant can also be an alternative. Common aspects are public relations and information processing. If applicable, a civil service career in the higher service may also be considered: Civil Servant in Archival Services (higher non-technical service) or Civil Servant in Library Services (higher non-technical service). For more information, refer to the BERUFENET search for occupational fields.

No remuneration is received during university studies (Studium). However, compensation can be arranged for practical phases or internships.

Legal regulations for university studies (Studium) in Germany exist at the federal (Bundesebene) and state (Landesebene) levels. At the federal level, the Framework Act for Higher Education (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and inter-state structural guidelines for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs apply. Additionally, there is a qualifications framework for German higher education degrees. At the state level, higher education laws and administrative regulations, such as those concerning the accreditation of study programs, are in place. At the university level (Hochschulebene), the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective degree programs apply.

The prerequisite for studying at universities and equivalent higher education institutions is the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the Fachhochschulreife or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective federal state (Bundesland) (e.g., Ministry of Culture) is required. Information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals can be found in the regulations of the individual federal states. Depending on the university, an internal selection process may also be conducted.

Bachelor's graduates in Library and Information Science can continue their studies in an advanced subject, such as Library and Information Science or Information Management, thereby expanding their career opportunities. Advanced fields include Archival Science, Library and Information Science, Book Science, Information Management, and Media Science.