Fami

FaMI is the German abbreviation for Fachangestellte/r für Medien- und Informationsdienste, a recognized dual-training occupation in the library and information services sector. The shorthand FaMI is used for both male and female professionals. The role combines customer service with technical tasks related to media handling, information retrieval, and digital resources.

FaMIs work in public libraries, school libraries, university libraries, archives, and other information centers. They assist patrons, answer reference questions, help with catalog searches, organize shelves, manage loans and returns, and support digitization and electronic resource access.

Training and qualification: The occupation is typically pursued over three years through a dual system that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction at a vocational school. Trainees learn library management, metadata and cataloging, licensing and procurement, user instruction, and data protection. The program concludes with a final examination conducted by the relevant chamber of industry and commerce (IHK).

Employment and outlook: FaMI professionals may advance to supervisory roles in libraries, information centers, or IT-assisted information services, sometimes with further training in information management or library technology. The role has evolved with digital media, e-books, and online databases, and it emphasizes information literacy and customer-friendly service.