Master of thousands and thousands of books
Minerva’s daughters: Alice Lehmann works as library assistant at the institute
After studying chemistry, Alice Lehmann made a conscious decision to look after her family. In this interview, she explains how she ended up as a library assistant at the MPI a few years ago.
Alice Lehmann works as a library assistant at the Institute. Among other things, she is responsible for updating our publications within the MPG database and obtaining specialist articles and books. She also supports researchers with research work.
What brought you here? Tell us about your way to the Kohlenforschung!
Alice Lehmann: I studied chemistry in Berlin, but then spent quite a while looking after my family and our children. Then suddenly the opportunity arose to work for one of the directors as an editorial assistant for the journal Chemistry of Materials. What was supposed to be just a few months as a parental leave replacement then lasted a total of seven years (laughs). Then it happened that the former library assistant at the institute retired - and I was offered the position. I was happy to accept it. I had to learn the ropes a bit - the work of a library assistant is of course different from that of a chemist - but with a little help, I think it worked out quite well.
What do you like about your work?
Alice: I really like books - in general. Moreover, the atmosphere here in our library is simply fantastic - calming and welcoming. I always find it remarkable to realize how great research was a hundred years ago, when scientists did not have the resources they have today. I also really enjoy doing research for my colleagues.
What are your professional goals?
Alice: I would like to work to preserve libraries as a place of knowledge conservation. I would also like the library to become more important again for young researchers, so that young people appreciate this special place.
What has been your most difficult step so far?
Alice: The decision not to pursue my doctorate was certainly not an easy one. But I made a conscious decision in favor of the family. I am sure that if I had stuck to my doctorate at the time, I would have spent the whole day thinking about chemistry and I would not have been able to give my children the attention they needed.
Do you have a role model?
Alice: I studied Ancient Greek at school and got to know the texts of Socrates and Plato. I was very fascinated by these two philosophers.
What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in working in a scientific institution?
Alice: I think that young women today have many more choices than in the past. However, that does not necessarily make the decision any easier. On the one hand, you no longer have to choose one thing - family or career. On the other hand, of course, you still have to find out which decision suits you best. I can only recommend every young woman to get involved in science. Expanding your knowledge, discovering new things - it is just incredibly exciting.
If you had one wish: What would it be?
Alice: I would like education, knowledge and a good upbringing to be equally accessible to everyone.
