Apprenticeship

About the University Library

 

Founded in 1993, the University Library of Otto von Guericke University is a modern, digitally supported space for learning and exchange. It offers reading areas, group study rooms, individual workspaces, and a parent-child area. In the architecturally outstanding building opened in 2003, users have access to almost one million media resources from 1,090 reading places. The University Library Magdeburg also provides its visitors with a wide range of services, including various workspaces, training sessions, and courses offered by the Teaching Library.

General Information on Apprenticeship

Apprentices in the FaMI program (Specialist in Media and Information Services) at the University Library Magdeburg primarily work in the fields of Information Services, Digital Services, and Media Processing. Their tasks include supporting and advising library users, acquiring, cataloguing, and providing access to media, information, and data. Within the scope of digitization, trainees also gain insights into IT applications.

  • Duration of training: 3 years

  • Number of apprentices: 1 per training year

 

Training Content

 

During practical training in the library field, apprentices acquire skills and knowledge in the following areas:

Digital Services

  • Providing information about services and research options

  • Managing media and user accounts in the library system

  • Processing interlibrary loan requests

  • Learning space management

Information Services

  • Advising library users

  • Inventory management

  • Assisting subject specialists

  • Supporting the Teaching Library

  • Public relations work

Media Processing

  • Familiarization with the entire workflow for acquiring all types of media (databases, monographs, journals)

  • Cataloguing and media provision

  • Ordering and inventory management

  • Supporting collection review processes

  • Contributing to Open Access and scholarly output

  • Data management and preparation for the repository and the Open Journal System

IT Applications

  • Understanding opportunities, challenges, and risks of IT systems in the context of information security

  • Working with library systems, standard hardware, and specialized hardware

  • Providing first-level support for user inquiries

  • Knowing key aspects of IT security

  • Identifying and resolving technical issues with the help of appropriate resources

Theoretical training takes place in block classes at the State Vocational Training Center (SBZ) Sondershausen, School Division 1. According to the framework curriculum, it includes: vocational training (including safety, health, and environmental protection), acquisition and processing of media (including collection management), communication and cooperation, work organization and office management, information and communication systems, public relations and marketing, as well as user services and information provision.

 

Career Opportunities

 

After successfully completing the program, apprentices are usually employed at the University Library for one year. Afterwards, they may apply for positions at:

  • Public libraries (e.g., central, district, or municipal libraries)

  • Academic libraries (e.g., state and regional libraries, university and higher education libraries, libraries of national significance)

  • Special libraries (e.g., museums or government agencies)

  • Media and film industry

  • Archives

  • Information and documentation centers

 

Vocational School

 

Classes are held at the SBZ Kyffhäuserkreis in Sondershausen.

 

Applicant Profile

 

  • Secondary school certificate or university entrance qualification with good grades in German and English

  • Broad general knowledge

  • Open-mindedness

  • Ability to work in a team

  • Strong service-oriented communication skills and enjoyment in interacting with users

  • Independent and structured working style

  • Flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills

  • Creative and innovative thinking

  • Interest in information and communication technology

  • Willingness to embrace change

 

Our Offer

 

  • The amenities of a state capital located in central Germany

  • A medium-sized, regionally and internationally networked university, signatory of the Diversity Charter

  • An open, diverse, and interdisciplinary team

  • A modern, future-oriented library building (reopening in 10/2024)

  • Insights into the full scope of a research library undergoing transformation

  • Employment under collective agreement (TVA-L BBiG), including 28 days of annual leave, annual bonus, capital-forming benefits, occupational pension scheme, and a final graduation bonus

  • Representation through the Youth and Apprentices Council (JAV)

  • Discounted prices at university cafeterias and cafés

  • A wide range of leisure activities, such as language courses, sports, massage, and personal development opportunities

  • Opportunities for cultural participation (e.g., carnival association, orchestra, big band)

  • Workplace health management (preventive healthcare, occupational safety)

  • Special support for trainees with children and/or health conditions to ensure a better work-life balance

  • Shared office space exclusively for apprentices

  • Personal laptop provided

  • Campus parking permit

  • Prospects for continued employment after the apprenticeship 

Last Modification: 22.08.2025 -
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