The Digital Engagement and Communications Librarian leads the library’s digital engagement and online communication. The role manages and promotes digital library services, including the website, social media platforms and other information systems. The incumbent also enhances user engagement, supports access to electronic resources, and improves the library’s visibility through effective digital communication strategies.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Bindura
- Category: Library Services
- Closing Date: 2026-09-30
Key Responsibilities
- Develops, implements, and maintains the library’s digital communication and marketing strategy.
- Creates, edits, and publishes content for the library website, ensuring information is current, accurate, and user-friendly.
- Manages the library’s social media platforms by planning, creating, and scheduling engaging content.
- Designs promotional and marketing materials, including brochures, posters, flyers, banners, newsletters, and digital displays.
- Coordinates digital marketing campaigns to promote library resources, services, programmes and events.
- Maintains and promotes remote access platforms for electronic resources, including MyLOFT and related services.
- Coordinates and monitors the library’s Live Chat service, ensuring timely and effective responses to user enquiries.
- Collaborate with Librarians and academic departments to promote library programmes, research support services, and information literacy initiatives.
- Monitors website and social media analytics and prepares reports on digital engagement and communication activities.
- Ensures consistency of the library’s brand identity across all digital and print communication materials.
- Provides training and guidance to library staff on digital communication tools and best practice.
- Liaises with the University’s Advancement and Public Affairs Department and other stakeholders on matters relating to marketing.
- Performs any other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Information Technology/Library and Information Sciences/ Knowledge Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology/Library and Information Sciences/ Knowledge Management or a closely related field.
- At least three (3) years post-qualification experience at senior management level in a University or research library environment.
- Relevant experience in library services, preferably in digital librarianship or information management.
- Substantial experience in digital content creation, online communication, and user engagement strategies.
- Proficiency in digital communication platforms including knowledge of library management systems, digital repositories, and content management systems.
- Ability to manage library websites, social media platforms, or digital repositories.
- Proficiency in configuring, operating, and managing Integrated Library Systems (ILS) and Electronic Resource Management (ERM) tools.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: jobs.buse.ac.zw
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for an Assistant Librarian – Digital Engagement and Communications role in Zimbabwe?
A Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science, Communications, Media Studies, or a related field is usually required; many employers prefer candidates with postgraduate diplomas or short courses in digital literacy, social media management, or ICT from institutions like the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) or Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). Registration with the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA) is increasingly valued, though not always mandatory for entry-level roles.
What does a typical day look like for this role in a Zimbabwean library setting?
Daily tasks include managing library social media accounts, creating digital content (e.g., newsletters, blog posts, or WhatsApp updates), supporting online reference services, and assisting patrons with digital literacy training using locally available tools like WhatsApp, Google Suite, or offline digital resources. You’ll also collaborate with librarians on outreach campaigns, often adapting content for low-bandwidth environments and diverse language groups including Shona, Ndebele, and English.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for this role in Zimbabwe compared to other countries?
Zimbabwean libraries emphasise community responsiveness, respect for senior staff, and adaptability amid infrastructure constraints—such as intermittent electricity or limited internet—so initiative and resourcefulness are highly valued. Punctuality, formal communication with supervisors, and participation in team-based community events (e.g., reading festivals or school outreach) reflect local professional norms and are routinely expected.
What realistic career progression paths exist for someone starting in this role within Zimbabwe’s library sector?
With experience and further study (e.g., a Master’s in Library Science or Digital Curation), one may progress to Senior Assistant Librarian, Digital Services Officer, or Library Branch Manager—especially in growing institutions like the National Archives of Zimbabwe or university libraries. Some professionals transition into national digital literacy programmes coordinated by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education or NGOs supported by UNESCO or the British Council.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, or pension—are commonly offered to Assistant Librarians in Zimbabwe?
Permanent staff in public or parastatal libraries typically receive 30 days’ annual leave, sick leave under the Labour Act, and enrolment in the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) pension scheme. Medical aid is less common in public libraries but may be offered by larger institutions or private academic libraries, often through group schemes like CBZ Health or ProLife, depending on budget and employment terms.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are usually submitted via email or physical submission to the hiring institution, often requiring a CV, certified academic certificates, ZimLA registration proof (if applicable), and a concise cover letter highlighting digital project experience—even informal ones like managing a community Facebook page or running a school e-reading club. Employers prioritise demonstrable digital communication skills, fluency in local languages, familiarity with Zimbabwe’s information access challenges, and evidence of community engagement over generic international certifications.