Emely's look behind the scenes at a bookstore
From consulting to social media – an internship with impact
During their training as digital and print media specialists, our trainees gain practical experience in bookstores, publishing houses, or printing companies. The internships provide real insight into the processes, tasks, and challenges of the industry and show how much passion and teamwork goes into it. Emely took advantage of this opportunity to experience firsthand what everyday work in a bookstore looks like.
For two weeks, I had the opportunity to experience everyday life at the Buchhandlung Libra —surrounded by curious readers, freshly sorted books, and a passionate team. I not only worked at the main store, but also had the opportunity to visit and work at the branches. During this time, I was able to observe many processes and expand my knowledge of books and the processes behind them.
Before the bookstore opens its doors, the first tasks are already waiting to be done. At night, the books that have been ordered are delivered in boxes and crates, just waiting for us to unpack them and sort them into the pick-up shelf. After that, everything revolved around the customers who came into the bookstore. Whether it was wrapping gifts, taking new orders, or providing detailed advice, rarely did anyone go home without a book (myself included).
In addition to traditional work in the store, social media also plays an important role. There was a lot to do here, especially during the Oberursel Literaturtage. A week full of readings, book tables, and encounters with authors that we all wanted to make visible. It was quite stressful, but it was a unique experience and a significant glimpse behind the scenes. I also got to help create a reel. We shot it to promote the reading by author Kurt Prödel organized by the bookstore. I even played a role in it.
The reading was also a special event. I was allowed to help organize the book table and capture the event in pictures. All copies of the book “Klapper” were sold afterwards and signed by the author on request. So I was also able to seize the moment and, in addition to a brief exchange, receive a personal dedication. “Zitronenkrümmeleistee” – not only a trip down memory lane for me, but also of great significance for the book.
I was always aware that a lot of work goes into running a bookstore, but it was only through my internship that I realized how much the employees do every day to brighten their customers' lives with books. This includes tasks that are not immediately apparent at first glance, but which have to be done: returning unsold books to publishers within a certain period of time, checking and processing new merchandise, and much more.
All these tasks have shown me how strong the connection between my training as a digital and print media specialist at MVB and the book trade actually is. We have much more in common than just a love of books. For example, the bookstore uses the directory of available books (VLB) and also sells our book vouchers. This allowed me to experience our products in action.
In this industry, we all share a passion for books and express it in different ways: whether as a book wholesaler, publisher, bookstore, or us with our own products. At the end of the day, we are one big team.
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