Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Library & Information Science
- Closing Date: 2026-08-28
Key Responsibilities
- Manning the Library’s entrance and exit system.
- Verifying the registration status of library users.
- Clearing reading desks and shelving library books.
- Identifying and listing torn books for repair
Requirements
- A National Certificate in Library and Information Science is a must.
- At least five Ordinary Level subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
- The candidate must have at least one year of working experience in a 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 Technical Assistant role at Midlands State University?
Applicants usually need a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science from a Zimbabwean institution accredited by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE). Some positions may accept equivalent qualifications with relevant library experience, especially if certified by the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA). A valid National Identity Card and clean police clearance are standard requirements for public university roles.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a Library Technical Assistant in a Zimbabwean university setting?
Typical duties include cataloguing and classifying library materials using Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress systems, assisting patrons with database searches and reference queries, and maintaining physical and digital collections. You’ll also support circulation services, process interlibrary loans, and help manage library software such as Koha—commonly used in Zimbabwean academic libraries.
How does workplace culture and expectations differ for this role in Zimbabwe compared to other countries?
Zimbabwean academic libraries emphasise respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and formal communication—especially when interacting with lecturers or senior library staff. Teamwork is valued, but initiative must be balanced with deference to supervisory authority; absenteeism or tardiness is rarely tolerated due to strict public sector attendance policies.
What realistic career progression paths exist for a Library Technical Assistant in Zimbabwe’s higher education sector?
With experience and further study—such as a postgraduate diploma or Master’s in Library and Information Science—you may progress to roles like Senior Library Assistant or Library Officer. Promotion within public universities depends on vacancies, ZIMCHE-accredited qualifications, and performance appraisals conducted under the Public Service Commission guidelines.
What benefits can I expect, such as leave, medical aid, and pension, in this role?
As a public university employee, you’re entitled to 30 days’ annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per the Zimbabwean Labour Act and Public Service regulations. Medical aid is typically provided through the Government Medical Aid Scheme (GMAS), and pension contributions are mandatory under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
How do I apply, and what do employers in Zimbabwe specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are submitted online via the Midlands State University Human Resources portal or hand-delivered to the HR office with certified academic documents and a CV. Employers prioritise ZimLA membership, hands-on experience with library systems (e.g., Koha), familiarity with Zimbabwean curriculum resources, and evidence of customer service orientation in academic settings.