Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Library & Information Science
- Closing Date: 2026-08-28
Key Responsibilities
- Manage book loans and returns through the Koha Library Management System.
- Assist users in navigating the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).
- Support patrons in finding and accessing materials from the Open Shelf, Reserve, and Core Collections.
- Carry out shelving and shelf-reading duties to ensure materials are correctly ordered and easy to find.
- Perform circulation duties across day, weekend, and night shifts as required.
- Maintain the physical resources collection in good condition by identifying and flagging damaged materials for binding or repair.
Requirements
- National Diploma in Library and Information Science.
- Five (5) Ordinary Level subjects, including English Language.
- At least one (1) year of relevant working experience in an academic library.
How to Apply
About the Company
Midlands State University is a government owned university in Zimbabwe. The university has 9 faculties offering a wide variety of courses and many specialist programmes. The university is accredited through the National Council for Higher Education, under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education of Zimbabwe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are typically required for a Library Assistant role at Midlands State University?
A minimum of a Diploma in Library and Information Science from a ZIMCHE-recognised institution (e.g., National University of Science and Technology or MSU itself) is usually required. Some positions may accept a relevant certificate plus substantial library experience, especially if aligned with the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA) standards. A Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science is increasingly preferred for career progression within public universities.
What does a typical day look like for a Library Assistant at a Zimbabwean university like Midlands State University?
Daily tasks include assisting students and staff with locating resources, managing book returns and loans using KOHA or similar LMS, shelving materials, and supporting reference enquiries — often under high demand during exam periods. You’ll also assist with basic cataloguing, maintaining reading room order, and occasionally supporting digital literacy sessions, all while adhering to MSU’s academic calendar and administrative protocols.
How does workplace culture and expectations differ for Library Assistants in Zimbabwean universities compared to other sectors?
Expectations emphasise respect for academic hierarchy, punctuality, and formal communication — especially when interacting with lecturers and senior librarians. Dress code tends to be smart-casual or institutional uniform where provided, and teamwork is valued, though individual accountability for assigned sections (e.g., periodicals or reserves) is strictly maintained per MSU’s operational guidelines.
What realistic career progression paths exist for Library Assistants in Zimbabwe’s university libraries?
With experience and further study (e.g., B.LIS or M.LIS), you can progress to roles like Senior Library Assistant, Library Officer, or Cataloguer — often requiring internal vacancy applications and ZimLA membership. Advancement depends on performance appraisals, availability of posts, and alignment with Public Service Commission (PSC) grading structures used by state universities like MSU.
What benefits — such as leave, medical aid, or pension — can a Library Assistant expect at Midlands State University?
As a public university employee, you’re covered under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) pension scheme and entitled to 30 days’ annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per the Labour Act (Chapter 28:01). Medical aid is not automatically provided but may be accessed through voluntary schemes like NSSA’s medical benefits or private group plans facilitated by staff associations.