Libraries bundle large amounts of diverse information and make them accessible to their users. They thus make a valuable contribution to the understanding of the past, present and future.
As a library scientist you not only hold the key to this knowledge in hands, but you also produce it and thus play an active role in shaping the transfer of information.
Library scientists ensure the high quality of the information offered by academic libraries. They ensure that these information collections are available to both current users and future generations. In the library science program, you will learn how to structure, process, network and make information available using the latest technologies. In addition, you will acquire the knowledge and skills to align library services with the information behavior and needs of your target groups in academic libraries.
The Library Science program places particular emphasis on the acquisition of extensive digital skills. Web technologies play a major role here, as does the use of digital tools and critical reflection on our information society and its digital communication and information practices.
In addition, the development of competencies for systematically organizing large amounts of information, for networking and making information visible is the focus of the course. Excursions and internships allow you to apply learned knowledge and provide insights into your future professional life – primarily in academic libraries.
The study of library sciences suits you if you have a certain affinity for technology as well as a structured, analytical and conceptual way of thinking. In addition, you should have an interest in communicating with people as well as a concentrated desire to work independently or as part of a team. An open-minded attitude towards digital content and technologies is a prerequisite, as you will learn how to combine information with digitality in a user-friendly way both in theory and in the practical parts of the program.
You want to learn more about the Library Sciences program, get opinions and tips from students and lecturers, or take a look at typical study assignments?
With the Online Study Selection Assistant OSA you can test whether the study program suits you.
Santiago studies library sciences and is one of our campus specialists who talk about their courses in their podcast. Together with Carolin, who studies archival sciences, he talks about the courses and university life.
The colleagues of the Student Counselling Service inform prospective students, first-year students, parents, teachers and students on all general questions about the study. For specific questions and concerns about the degree program, please contact the Student Counselling Service for Library Sciences.
| Degree program | Teaching language | Start of study | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Archival Studies | German | Winter semester | 06/15 – 08/15 (NC-free).
|
| BA Information Studies | German | Winter semester | BA Information Studies (NC free)
|
| BA Library Sciences | German | Winter semester | 15.6. – 15.8. (NC free)
|
| MA Archival Sciences | German | Winter semester | 22.05.–30.06.2023 in odd calendar years (admission restricted)
|
| MA Digital Data Management | German | Summer semester | 15.12. – 15.02. (admission restricted)
|
The successful completion of your bachelor's degree enables you to work in academic general and special libraries or research institutions. But also a job as an independent service provider or in a company, for example a law firm or a pharmaceutical company, are possible due to your acquired core competencies.
I gained work experience throughout my studies, first at the Grimm Center in Berlin and then, since my internship semester until today, to my great delight, at the Fontane Archive in Potsdam. But now I'm still going to do my master's degree at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam after I finish my bachelor's degree.
In the course of my studies, I got deep insights into public and academic libraries and learned to work in and with them. With the Bachelor I am also equipped for the Master.
I have actually all doors open.
| Degree program | Teaching language | Start of study | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Archival Studies | German | Winter semester | 06/15 – 08/15 (NC-free).
|
| BA Information Studies | German | Winter semester | BA Information Studies (NC free)
|
| BA Library Sciences | German | Winter semester | 15.6. – 15.8. (NC free)
|
| MA Archival Sciences | German | Winter semester | 22.05.–30.06.2023 in odd calendar years (admission restricted)
|
| MA Digital Data Management | German | Summer semester | 15.12. – 15.02. (admission restricted)
|
The standard period of study for the full-time program in Library Sciences is seven semesters and concludes with a Bachelor of Arts degree. The program consists of basic compulsory modules, subject-specific compulsory and elective modules as well as a freely configurable extension area, practice-oriented project modules, two internships and is completed with the writing of a bachelor's thesis. Subsequently, a Master's degree in Information Sciences can be obtained.
|
Fundamental studies, internship |
|
| 3rd – 4th semester | integrative and subject-specific immersion |
| 5th semester | internship semester |
| 6. – 7th semester | Intensification of subject content and key skills, projects, bachelor thesis |
In the subject of library sciences, different forms of teaching and learning are used to enable knowledge to be imparted in a practical way. In addition to the classic basic training, you will also learn the methodology that is important for working in the field of librarianship in practical modules.
Fundamentals of indexing
Information resources/services
scientific work
Statistics
Management
Law
Specialized English
Library Technology
library content indexing
Inventory management
Research methods
electronic publishing
library information services
metadata
Information behavior and the sociology of science
Mediation and information literacy
Openness in der Informationsgesellschaft
Daten- & Informationsvisualisierung
Vermittlung von Daten- und Informationskompetenz
English in Information Services
Wissensmanagement – Grundlagen
faires Datenmanagement und Langzeitarchivierung
digitale Editionen
FLEX 1
FLEX 2
PRO: Projekt
For a detailed description of the course content, such as study plans and descriptions of individual modules in the Library Sciences program, please refer to the module handbook, the subject-specific study and examination regulations, and the internship regulations.
There is no separate application procedure for the BA Library Sciences program. Enrollment is always possible from 15.06. to 15.08. for the next winter semester. Applications for a higher semester are open from 15.05. to 15.07. possible.
If you meet the admission requirements, you can submit an enrollment application. Please note the following information specific to your program of study:
To enroll in the open-admission bachelor's program in library sciences, you need a university entrance qualification according to Brandenburg Higher Education Act. This University entrance qualification includes the general university entrance qualification or university of applied sciences entrance qualification or previous vocational training recognized as equivalent.
The enrollment application is submitted online at the MyCampus university portal of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. After entering the information required for enrollment, an enrollment application is created. This application must be signed and submitted to University of Applied Sciences Potsdam by mail together with the university entrance qualification in paper form. Please refer to the enrollment application if you need to submit additional documents. The deadline for submission is the last day of the enrollment period. The date of receipt at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is decisive.
There are various application procedures at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. General information on application and enrollment procedures as well as information on part-time studies, guest auditorships, and second degree studies can be found on the general application pages.
You would like to apply for studies from the first or a apply for a higher semester and have obtained your high school diploma and/or university degree abroad? Then you can have degrees and achievements acquired abroad recognized and study with us.
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