Bibliotheks-, Informationswissenschaft (weiterführend)

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

The Studium (university studies) takes place at universities and Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences). Learning environments include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, and libraries at the university. Additionally, students engage in home study, such as preparing for and following up on courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

Core competencies acquired or deepened during the Studium (university studies) include: Collection development (archive, library), inventory taking (archive, library), collection selection (archive, library), collection care (archive, library), bibliography, information and communication management, information sciences, cataloging, collection indexing (archive, library, museum), knowledge management, research, information retrieval, and systematization. Further competencies that may be significant for later professional practice include: Applying library and archive software, using Content Management Systems (CMS), content marketing, database development, documentation (archive, library), creating specialized publications, research, internet and intranet technology, calculation, customer consulting and support, teaching (university), marketing, market research, microfilming, public relations, social media communication, and title entry. Additional relevant skills and knowledge include the 'Databases, Data Processing' competency group.

The standard duration for this Studium (university studies) is 2 to 4 semesters.

Studium (university studies) costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk, student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may also apply, for example, for 'long-term students,' for a second Studium (university studies), or after exhausting 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 Deutsches Studierendenwerk and the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).

Compulsory modules include: Library construction, library furnishings, digital libraries, documentation languages and metatexts, information economy, information markets, information, media and copyright law, organization and personnel management, and resource management. Elective modules may include: Bibliometrics, infometrics, scientometrics, library pedagogy, digital long-term archiving/Long Term Digital Archiving, media studies, music information management, public management/library management. Practical study content, depending on the university, may involve internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in archives, potentially abroad).

You should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: During the semester, attend lectures and seminars in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms; if necessary, participate in online courses from home. If you are studying alongside a profession, you might work during the day on weekdays and attend university in the evenings or on weekends. Independent work is crucial: prepare for and follow up on courses, research in libraries, prepare presentations (sometimes with other students), complete assignments, and develop, implement, and document projects (even during semester breaks). You will deepen your skills in scientific research. You must independently plan your studies, adhere to given study periods, and submit study and exam performances on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). For career preparation, it may be necessary to complete internships, for example, in a specialized information center.

Universities typically require the following undergraduate degrees: Library and Information Science (undergraduate), Archival Science (undergraduate), Digital Humanities/Computational Philology (undergraduate), Information Management (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. Topics such as business administration, communication, and presentation are relevant. Elective modules like Digital Long-Term Archiving or Long Term Digital Archiving can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in a specialized information center, specifically prepare you for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of German universities (see contact details of the respective university): Universities in Germany - University Search of Hochschulkompass.

This advanced (weiterführend) study program deepens knowledge from an undergraduate (grundständig) degree and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, such as information management, library management, or digital media management. This program leads to a second university degree (typically a Master's). Library and Information Science is also available as a distance learning or part-time program.

Examples: Library Informatics (Master), Library and Information Management (Master), Library and Information Science (Master), Information Science (Master).

Master's graduates in library and information science can find diverse fields of activity in the private sector and public service, such as information acquisition, indexing, preparation, or press and public relations. Those aiming for an academic career at a university generally need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

In the early 19th century, modern library science was founded by figures like Martin Schrettinger, aiming to catalog library holdings by author and location. In the late 19th century, a professorship for auxiliary library sciences was established; book and library history disciplines were classified as historical-philological subjects, and the importance of contemporary book studies increased. Scientific librarians were qualified through preparatory services for civil servants or as university continuing education. By the mid-20th century, independent study programs in library science were established. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, aiming to create a unified European higher education area, harmonize study programs and degrees by introducing Bachelor's and Master's programs, and improve overall quality.

Professional Association for Information and Library (Berufsverband Information Bibliothek e.V. - BIB), University Association for Information Science (Hochschulverband Informationswissenschaft e.V. - HI), Association of German Librarians (Verein Deutscher Bibliothekarinnen und Bibliothekare e.V. - VDB).

Depending on the study program, degrees such as Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.Sc.) can be obtained.

No remuneration is received during the Studium (university studies). Compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases.

At the federal level, there is the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and its latest amendments, along with inter-state structural guidelines (KMK resolution) for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs. Additionally, a qualifications framework for German higher education degrees (developed in cooperation with HRK, KMK, and BMBF) exists. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, for example, regarding the accreditation of study programs, apply. Qualification or higher education access regulations are also relevant. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study programs are in effect.

A prerequisite for this Studium (university degree program) is a first professional qualification from a higher education institution; typically, an undergraduate degree in library and information science is required. For advanced Studiengänge (degree programs), at least 1 year of professional experience is necessary. Depending on the university, an internal selection process may be conducted. Selection criteria include, for example, performance in the first professional qualifying degree. Where applicable, proof of English language proficiency may be required.