Media and Information Services (Library)

As a Media and Information Services Specialist at the  University Library, you’ll play a major role in providing scholarly information. During your training, you’ll be responsible for acquiring, providing, and cataloging media, as well as conducting database searches for over 18,000 users.

Training Content:

• Acquisition and provision of print and digital media
• Cataloging and indexing media, information, and data
• Searching catalogs and databases
• Service and assistance for library users
• Technical equipment, organization, and repair of the collection
• Use of information and communication systems

The training takes place mainly in the media processing and use departments at the Alte Münze Library Center. However, work in the decentralized departmental libraries at Heger-Tor-Wall (Law and Economics Library) and at Westerberg (Natural and Human Sciences, Mathematics / Computer Science) is also an important part of the training.

In media processing, trainees order printed and electronic media from booksellers or on web platforms with e-book offers from various publishers. When the media arrive at the library, they check the delivery and invoice. They create or edit title records for the media to be added to the collection, i.e. they record formal details such as author, title and publisher in the library software. The title record contains all the necessary information to enable users to identify the title in the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) and locate it in the collection.

In the circulation department, the trainees carry out book-related tasks, such as labeling the media with stamps and stickers, which are necessary before the newly acquired media can be shelved in the reading room. At the circulation desk, they accept registrations from new users, check the required documents and enter the relevant personal data into the library system. When lending out media, they record the books issued and returned and re-shelve the returned media. They provide information on the library's user regulations, give information and provide guidance.

Media and information services specialist is a recognized training occupation under the Vocational Training Act (BBiG). This profession can be learned in the public sector and in the private sector in the fields of library, archive, medical documentation and information and documentation. During the training, both general knowledge required for the profession as well as subject-specific knowledge is taught. There are currently two trainees in different years of training.

The training lasts three years and takes place in the dual system, i.e. theoretical knowledge is taught at the vocational school alongside the practical training in the university library, which can be attended either in Bremen (Europaschule Schulzentrum Utbremen) or in Hanover (Multi-Media Berufsbildende Schulen), depending on how easy it is to reach from home. The course also includes two internships lasting several weeks in related areas (archive and public library). Internships abroad are also possible.

After approximately half of the training period, a written intermediate examination takes place to determine the level of knowledge. The training ends with the final examination, which comprises a written and a practical part.