Libraries - Expert Discussion

Sylvia Asmus, Director of the German Exile Archive 1933–1945, of the German National Library in Frankfurt; © Deutsche Nationalbibliothek/Stephan Jockel

“The subject of exile is experiencing a renaissance”. An interview with Sylvia Asmus

The Director of the German Exile Archive 1933–1945 speaks about the state of German exile research and new projects on Brazil as a place of exile in the 2013/2014 German Year in Brazil.More ...

Library of the university of Konstanz; © Universität Konstanz

Important Despite the Internet: Libraries Bring People Together

Even in today’s digital age, libraries are losing none of their appeal, finding themselves in more demand than ever as pleasant, inspiring and communicative places in which to learn and research.More ...

The Future of Academic Publishing – An Interview with Stefan Gradmann

The print culture is being increasingly abandoned in some branches of academia. Stefan Gradmann outlines the future of academic publishing.More ...

Web-App der Stadtbibliothek Gütersloh; © Stadtbibliothek Gütersloh

Limited Possibilities – Mobile Library Catalogues

Library users increasingly expect online library services also to be optimized for mobile access. This requires a considerable investment which, however, provides opportunities.More ...

Library and Information Science in Germany

Library and information science is far from being an established discipline at German universities – but appears to have good chances of success in the field of interdisciplinary research.More ...

Libraries Built by Users – An Interview with Annette Klein

Like other academic libraries, Mannheim University Library has since 2010 been trialling a form of acquisition in which the user plays a key role. Dr Annette Klein explains the opportunities.More ...

School Libraries in Germany: An Interview with Julia Rittel

School libraries play a central role in teaching information literacy, yet are attributed hardly any importance in German educational policy. Goethe.de talked to Julia Rittel.More ...

Ellen Tise © IFLA; Ingrid Parent © UBC Library

Past and Future of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA)

Ellen Tise served as president of the IFLA till 2011. Ingrid Parent succeeded her in August 2011. Goethe.de spoke with both about the association's past and future.More ...

opl_pos0_teaser: Jürgen Plieninger; © privat

A Singular Approach: One-Person Libraries

A lot of libraries in Germany are run by one librarian. Jürgen Plieninger of the German Association of Information and Library Professionals reports on the difficulties and opportunities that this entails.More ...

Linked Open Data. An Interview with Adrian Pohl

In our interview, Adrian Pohl outlines the opportunities which arise when bibliographic data are made openly and freely available. At the central university library of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.More ...

BibCamp 2012; © Südpol-Redaktionsbüro/D. Giersberg

Exchange on an Equal Footing: BibCamp 2012

On 16 and 17 March 2012, around 200 librarians and knowledge managers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland met in Cologne to attend the 5th BibCamp, a symposium with lively discussion.More ...

“The Library As Navigator”. An Interview with Hans G. Zeger

Electronic information technology is changing the way knowledge is accessed, and indeed is changing knowledge itself. Internet expert Dr Hans G. Zeger explains the role libraries can play here.More ...

Visitor to Stuttgart City Library; © Südpol-Redaktionsbüro/T. Köster

The Library Landscape in Germany. An Overview

Around 11,000 libraries in Germany, all with their own specialist areas and target groups, ensure that access to information and knowledge is as barrier-free as possible.More ...

Plagiarism: A Challenge for Libraries? An Interview with Arne Upmeier

How do libraries handle cases of plagiarism, and what contribution can they make to preventing the practice? An interview with Dr Arne Upmeier.More ...

Blogs, BibCamps, Lightning Talks: Librarian Communication in Flux

By 2010 at the latest, librarians had developed a huge appetite for new formats: both in the area of continuing education and, more generally, for professional events.More ...

Libraries As Providers of Information: An Interview with Hermann Rösch

As guardians of freedom of information, libraries generate transparency and in doing so support the battle against corruption, explains Hermann Rösch.More ...

“We Need More Educational Content”. An Interview with Kerstin Keller-Loibl

Because libraries are increasingly seen as centres of lifelong learning, the importance of library pedagogy is also growing. An interview with Kerstin Keller-Loibl.More ...

Guided tour through the State Library Berlin; © BI-international

International Professional Exchange for Librarians

For over ten years, “BI International” from the Federal Union of German Library and Information Associations has been promoting worldwide cooperation among libraries and information services.More ...

“Dialogue in German” participants; © Frauke Rinsch

“Dialogue in German”: An Interview with Uta Keite

The Bücherhallen libraries in Hamburg are staging public discussion groups to promote the integration of people of migrant origin. Uta Keite explains what makes “Dialogue in German” so successful.More ...

The new building housing the Potsdam City and State Library; © Stadt- und Landesbibliothek Potsdam

Under One Roof: Libraries and Their Education Partners

The debate on lifelong learning has resulted in new forms of cooperation between further education and cultural institutions in many of Germany’s cities. More and more of them operating under one roof.More ...

IFLA 2011, Puerto Rico, 13–18 August © IFLA

IFLA Conference 2011 – Libraries in Puerto Rico

An overview of the current scenario for academic, school and public libraries in Puerto Rico and information about the IFLA Congress.More ...

Excellent Universities Need Excellent Libraries. An Interview with Marcus Schröter

Goethe.de asked Dr Marcus Schröter from Freiburg University Library what impact Germany's Excellence Initiative is having on the work done by libraries.More ...

Mobile iPad services of the BSB; © Bayerische Staatsbibliothek

Parsifal on Smartphone – Libraries and the Mobile Internet

Smartpohnes and tablet PCs are rapidly conquering ever new user groups. The Bavarian State Library in Munich has responded to this in various ways.More ...

Digitalizing Works in the Public Domain: Till Kreutzer on His Guide

The digitalization of works in the public domain confronts librarians with complex legal issues. A guide now offers assistance. Goethe.de spoke with its author, Till Kreutzer.More ...

“Libraries are indispensable” – Ulrich Hohoff on the 100th Convention of German Librarians

From 7 to 10 June 2011, the 100th Convention of German Librarians was held in Berlin. Dr Ulrich Hohoff, president of the Association of German Librarians, looks back at the event.More ...

Monika Ziller; Copyright: dbv | Dr. Christian Sprang; Copyright: Börsenverein/Anne Hoffmann

Libraries and Publishers: Confrontation instead of Teamwork? Monika Ziller and Christian Sprang interviewed

The relationship between libraries and publishers is sometimes very tense. Two views on the issues.More ...

The Order of a Thesaurus and the Anarchy of Tagging – Happily United in Library Catalogues?

New web services combine the advantages of a thesaurus and those gained by privately “tagged” ego data.More ...

Resource Description and Access: Indexing Media in the Information Age

With “Resource Description and Access” (RDA), a new standard for the indexing of media has been developed.More ...

Model for Other Countries. Klaus Ulrich Werner on German Libraries

How are the activities of German libraries perceived abroad? And how has the library as a place changed? An Interview with Klaus Ulrich Werner, Director of the Philological Library at the Free University of Berlin.More ...

“Brokers of information services.” Job Description: Librarian

Librarians have less and less to do with printed books: today they are most in demand as specialists for arranging and obtaining information.More ...

Bestseller list; © Südpol-Redaktionsbüro/Köster

Bestseller Service in Libraries: Service or Money-Making Scheme?

More and more libraries in Germany are offering their users a “bestseller service”. It is, however, somewhat controversial, particularly on account of the high fees that are charged for it.More ...

Structured Specialist Knowledge: The German Specialist Information Centres

Scientific advances and productivity depend on the quality of information. The German Specialist Information Centres (FIZ) provide databases and highly specialized search engines.More ...

“Libraries are indispensable”. An Interview with Monika Ziller

Ever-growing tasks and increasingly scarce funds: Monika Ziller, chairwomen of the German Library Association (Deutscher Bibliotheksverband / dbv), outlines the present situation of libraries in Germany.More ...

“Open Access for a Higher Profile”. An Interview with Johannes Fournier

To draw public attention to the role of open access to science, “International Open Access Week” took place in mid October.More ...

Horst Köhler at the Anna Amalia Library; © Bundespräsidialamt

“On the Agenda!” – Lobbying for Libraries

For several years German libraries have increasingly succeeded in gaining more understanding among politicians for their central role in the information society. But in spite of all the progress the path remains rocky.More ...

Ethical Principles for Librarians – A Discussion

Professional ethics is a subject that for decades has played very much a subordinate role among German librarians, yet self-reassurance is becoming important given the responsibility librarians have in information society.More ...

The Librarian as Teacher: The Changing Role of University Librarians

At German university libraries providing information and assuring media literacy has become the core task. An interview with Dr. Wilfried Sühl-Strohmenger of the University Freiburg.More ...

“The school library is irreplaceable”. An Interview with Birgit Lücke

Although school libraries have experienced a renaissance after the Pisa shock, they are still not a matter-of-course in Germany. An interview with Birgit Lücke of the German Library Association.More ...

Spaces of Knowledge. Uwe Jochum on his “Geschichte der abendländischen Bibliotheken”

From cave paintings to the digital library on the Net, Uwe Jochum’s "Geschichte der abendländischen Bibliotheken", spans about 20,000 years of library history.More ...

Library users of different nationalities; © Stadtbücherei Hamm

On the Path Towards the “Multicultural Library”. An Interview with Volker Pirsich

In late 2009, UNESCO endorsed the Multicultural Library Manifesto of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).More ...

Open Access Models: New Approaches for Scientific and Scholarly Publishers

What looked like a specter in the eyes publishers is today part of daily operations. Thanks to new business models, quality assured publications and Open Access is no contradiction.More ...

E-book platform of the University of Munich Library; © UB München

E-Books Win A Place in Libraries – But Slowly

In German libraries, e-books still eke out a relatively obscure existence. But with the steady expansion of digital libraries and technical innovations grow too the opportunities for electronic books.More ...

Exterior view of the city library in Luckenwalde; © Andreas Meichsner

“German libraries are also living rooms”. An Interview with Olaf Eigenbrodt

Goethe.de spoke with the library sociologist Olaf Eigenbrodt about architectural sensations, the role of the library as a social site – and about cosiness as a mark of quality.More ...

Digital Copy Protection as Economic Handicap – An interview with Julius Mittenzwei

How useful and effective is copy protection for digital media? In an interview with goethe.de, jurist Julius Mittenzwei assesses the benefits of digital rights management systems.More ...

IFLA: The International Federation of Libraries

For more than eighty years, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has responsively represented the interests of libraries and their users around the world. A portrait.More ...

“Libraries Driving Access to Knowledge.” – An Interview with Ellen Tise

Ellen Tise, President of the IFLA, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, speaks about the aims of her presidency.More ...

Burning Duchess Anna Amalia Library; © Staatliche Bibliotheken Berlin/Preußischer Kulturbersitz

Emergency Association and Rescue Chute: Catastrophe Precautions at Libraries

The treasures of several centuries can be destroyed within a few hours. The Gottlieb Wilhelm Leibniz Library in Hanover is taking precautions against this.More ...

The Challenge of Freedom of Information: Interview with Hermann Rösch

Libraries see themselves as guardians of freedom of information. Hermann Rösch explains why that is not an easy task even in democratic states.More ...

Organisation for the benefit of libraries – DBV and BID

The German Library Association (DBV) has been committed to preserving and expanding libraries for 60 years, while the umbrella organization, Library and Information Germany (BID), has been doing the same for 20 years.More ...

1.0, 2.0, 3.0: The Evolution of the Library Catalogue in the Internet and the Example of “beluga”

The electronic successor of the card catalogue is caught up in a rapid development.More ...

“Germany Reads. Meeting-Point Library”: Gabriele Beger Takes Stock

“Meeting-Point Library” at the end of 2008 was the first nation-wide action week for libraries. The Chairwoman of the German Library Association, Gabriele Beger, takes stock – and casts a look into the future.More ...

Sundays in the Library? A Discussion of Opening Hours

Although according to the Working Hours Act employees of cultural institutions may also work on holidays, this exception has been hitherto applied only to a few libraries. Whether or not that should be changed is a controversial question.More ...

Design of Stuttgart City Library; © Yi Architects

Meeting Place with Meditation Centre: The Library of the Future

Even now, libraries no longer see themselves mainly as places for borrowing books. Instead, they want to provide visitors with new experiences through media of all kinds. The library of the future will increasingly become a meeting place and set new visual trends as well.More ...

Jürgen-Fuchs-Bibliothek, Reichenbach
© picture-alliance / ZB

Libraries and Web 2.0 – Library 2.0

The new, Web-based world of information poses some serious challenges – and not only for ‘digital immigrants’. Even traditional institutions are having to reinvent themselves, particularly if, as in the case of libraries, they have always dealt with information and knowledge as their ‘raw materials’.More ...

Books Stolen by the Nazis – a burdening legacy in the shelves

Thousands of books stolen by the Nazis stand in the shelves and magazines of German libraries. Once identified, the difficult search begins for their owners or descendants of the owners. But this is important, says Regine Dehnel, the first full-time provenance researcher at a German library.More ...

Kinder sollen für das Lesen begeistert werden; © Stiftung Lesen

Helping Children Discover the Fascination of Reading: Promoting Reading

As a current study shows: picking up a book to read for pleasure is not a matter of course for everyone. In many cases, children are not encouraged to read in the home. There is thus an urgent need to promote reading in children. Numerous projects all over Germany have set themselves the task of helping children become keen readers.More ...

“A Genuine Step Forwards” – The Thuringia Library Law

On 4 July 2008, the Thuringia Landtag, or state parliament, passed Germany’s first library law. Dr Frank Simon-Ritz, chairman of the Thuringia branch of the German Library Association (dbv), explains in our interview what the law still leaves to be desired.More ...

Professor Gabriele Beger, president of the German Library Association; Copyright: Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Hamburg

Shoring Up Germany’s Libraries

Professor Gabriele Beger has been president of the German Library Association (dbv) for a year and a half now. We talked to her about her work to date and her plans for the future.More ...

Barbara Lison, Präsidentin des BID; Copyright: Picture-Alliance

New Image Brochure: "21 Good Reasons for Good Libraries"

A new image brochure graphically illustrates the value libraries have for society. Barbara Lison, President of the Verband Bibliothek & Information Deutschland (BID; Association of Library and Information Germany), introduces the new document in an interview.More ...

Cop.: www.colourbox.com; Fotograf: VINCENT HAZAT/6PA/MAXPPP

Content Repositories Help Libraries Take the Step onto the Net

The majority of libraries and archives present their digital material on the internet nowadays. Repositories allow smaller establishments to take this step as well – with a relatively low outlay. By Dagmar GiersbergMore ...

National Licences for Electronic Media

Since 2004, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation) has funded the acquisition of national licences in order to improve the provision of specialist electronic information to academics and students at German research institutions.More ...

Profesor Dr. Stephan Büttner, Dr. Hannelore Vogt, Frank Daniel, Christian Hasiewicz

Are digital rights management systems compatible with freedom of information?

The role of digital rights management systems (DRMS) is a contentious issue in libraries. On the one hand, they are a useful technical tool: they protect copyright to digital media and facilitate new forms of lending; on the other, they restrict the use of and access to information. We offer four expert opinions on this controversial subject.More ...

Uta Krauß-Leichert; Copyright: Stefanie Rex/HAW Hamburg

Practice-Related Training to Become an Information Specialist

Since the winter semester of 2005/2006, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences has been offering two Bachelor’s degree courses for prospective information specialists. Ute Krauss-Leichert, Head of the Information Department, takes stock for us.More ...

Selbstverbuchungsterminal; Copyright: Bibliotheca, Roeder, 2006

RFID – Books with Radio Frequency Identification are more Efficient

Sparks are flying at more and more scientific and public libraries in Germany. RFID technology makes it possible to automate routine tasks such as lending, returning and sorting media.More ...

Copyright: PHOTOPQR/LE REPUBLICAIN LORRAIN/BROCARD; www. colourbox.com

Theseus – Technologies to Navigate the Maze

Recognising the innovative force and economic power of information technologies, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology is supporting a consortium of 21 companies and research institutions that have signed up to the Theseus project. With total funding of 180 million euros, the project aims to develop new semantic Web technologies.More ...

Computerclub für Ältere, Februar 2004; Copyright: Stadtbibliothek Straubing

Libraries Discover the Over 55s

Numerous public libraries have in recent years chiefly concentrated on promoting literacy and reading skills, and thus on children and adolescents as their target group. But now another target group is increasingly becoming the focus of their attention: senior citizens.More ...

Library Training in Transition

Germany has a varied training system for librarians. Besides the university education route, students can also take a three-year course within the dual system of vocational training to become specialists in media and information services.More ...

Libraries in Germany – Expert Discussion

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