Program Overview

Introduction to the FaMI Program at ULB Münster

The Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek (ULB) Münster offers a comprehensive training program for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a Fachangestellte für Medien- und Informationsdienste (FaMI), specializing in library services. This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of media and information services.

Program Overview

The FaMI program at ULB Münster is a three-year dual-system training program that combines theoretical and practical education. Students spend most of their training time at the ULB, where they work alongside experienced professionals and gain hands-on experience in various departments. The program covers a wide range of topics, including media acquisition and maintenance, user services, and administrative tasks.

Betriebliche Ausbildung (Practical Training)

The practical training component of the program takes place at the ULB and includes:

• Benutzung (User Services): Supporting library users, lending media, and handling interlibrary loans.
• Erwerbung und Metadaten (Acquisitions and Metadata): Assisting in the acquisition and cataloging of media.
• Wissenschaftliche Bibliotheksdienste (Scientific Library Services): Working in one of the many decentralized libraries to gain experience in scientific library services.
• Historische Bestände (Historical Collections): Assisting in the processing and preservation of historical materials.
• Digitale Dienste (Digital Services): Learning about IT services, digitalization, and the publication of research data.
• Landesbibliothekarische Aufgaben (State Library Tasks): Participating in tasks such as cataloging literature in the North Rhine-Westphalian Bibliography.
• Zentrale Dienste (Central Services): Gaining insight into central services like public relations, procurement, and administration.

Schulische Ausbildung (Theoretical Education)

In addition to practical training, students attend the Karl-Schiller-Berufskolleg Dortmund twice a week, where they receive theoretical instruction in subjects such as:

• Spezielle Betriebslehre (Specialized Business Administration): Covering topics like copyright law, new information sources, and cataloging rules.
• Allgemeine Wirtschaftslehre (General Business Administration): Focusing on economic and legal foundations, company structures, and strategies.
• Datenverarbeitung/Organisation (Data Processing/Organization): Learning about the structure and operations of a business, data protection, and security.
• Deutsch (German): Improving communication skills, writing business letters, and analyzing texts.
• Englisch (English): Enhancing communication skills with specialized vocabulary.
• Politik (Politics): Discussing current political and social issues, economic relationships, labor law, and worker protection.

Testimonials from Current and Former Trainees

Trainees and former trainees share their experiences and what they value most about the FaMI program at ULB Münster, highlighting the variety of tasks, the opportunity to work with different departments, and the supportive learning environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Trainees receive a monthly stipend according to the Tarifvertrag für Auszubildende der Länder (TVA-L), which includes:

• Ausbildungsvergütung (Training Allowance): Varying by year of training, with current rates provided.
• Vermögenswirksame Leistungen (Asset-Building Benefits): Additional monthly payments to support savings.
• Sonderzahlungen und Abschlussprämie (Special Payments and Completion Bonus): Annual special payment and a bonus upon successful completion of the training.

Career Prospects

The ULB Münster aims to retain its trainees after they complete their program, offering opportunities for professional development, including the possibility of pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Information Management at the Hochschule Hannover, which can lead to a position as a civil servant.

Requirements and Qualities Sought in Applicants

Applicants should possess a good school diploma (Realschulabschluss, Fachhochschulreife, or Abitur) and demonstrate:

• Friendly and service-oriented behavior towards library users.
• Carefulness and attention to detail in data handling.
• Enjoyment of technological changes and computer-based tasks.
• Teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work with administrative tasks and structured workflows.

By offering a comprehensive and supportive training environment, the FaMI program at ULB Münster prepares individuals for a successful career in media and information services, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and personal qualities necessary to excel in this field.