Bernadette has been with KIT Library for over 20 years. She works on the User Services department at the information desk and always has helpful answers to the wide variety of questions users ask.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in librarianship?
I wanted to learn a profession where I could support people. In a library, that means helping them find the right information. I’ve also always enjoyed work that’s structured yet varied.

What personal qualities led you down this path?
I’m very careful and conscientious, and I have a deep interest in books. Even though library work today goes far beyond lending out printed books, this passion will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Which of your daily tasks do you particularly enjoy?
Every day, I find it exciting to see the wide variety of inquiries that reach us through all sorts of channels—whether from KIT students and researchers or from interested people around the world. It’s especially nice when people end up thanking me warmly for my help.

Which career milestones have shaped you?
In 2016, my husband received an offer to move to Southampton, England, for two years. I took the opportunity, took a leave of absence from KIT, and went with him. After gaining my first professional experience outside the library division, I found my way back to the library there as well.
At first, I worked at ProQuest as a Book Processing Operative, where I was responsible for preparing books for libraries worldwide. Afterward, I worked as a Library Attendant at Southampton Solent University—similar to my role in Karlsruhe at the information desk and managing the chat service, in addition to the diverse tasks associated with my FaMI certification.
My FaMI training and work certificate proved to be a major advantage in England. While libraries there are primarily staffed by career changers and semi-skilled workers, the German training system enjoys an excellent reputation—the professional expertise it imparts is particularly highly valued.

Can you tell us your favorite spot at KIT Library?
My absolute favorite spot is the stacks—there’s a very special atmosphere there for me, surrounded by all the accumulated knowledge from hundreds of years ago to the present day.