Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Kwekwe
- Category: Library & Information Science
- Closing Date: 2026-08-28
Key Responsibilities
- Manage legal and technical collections
- Guide users in legal research and databases
- Support research activities, legal updates, and collection development
- Supervise junior staff and shifts
- Participate in library initiatives and community engagement
Requirements
- Undergraduate Degree in Library and Information Science
- Minimum 3 years’ 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 and certifications are typically required for the Senior Assistant Librarian role at Midlands State University?
Applicants usually need a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science (BLIS) or equivalent, plus a postgraduate qualification such as a Master’s in LIS or related field. Registration with the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA) is strongly preferred, and experience with integrated library systems like Koha—commonly used in Zimbabwean universities—is advantageous.
What does a typical day look like for a Senior Assistant Librarian at a Zimbabwean university like Midlands State University?
Daily tasks include managing cataloguing and classification using AACR2 or RDA standards, assisting students and staff with research queries, and supervising junior library staff or student assistants. You’ll also support digital literacy initiatives, maintain physical and electronic collections, and participate in academic liaison activities aligned with faculty teaching and research needs.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for librarians in Zimbabwe compared to other countries?
Zimbabwean academic libraries emphasise collegiality, respect for seniority, and adaptability amid resource constraints—such as intermittent internet or power outages—requiring proactive problem-solving. Punctuality, formal communication with academic staff, and active participation in university committees or national library forums (e.g., ZimLA conferences) are widely valued.
What realistic career progression paths exist after working as a Senior Assistant Librarian in Zimbabwe’s university sector?
With experience and further study (e.g., PhD in LIS), you may progress to Assistant Librarian, then Librarian, or take on specialist roles like Digital Repository Manager or Academic Liaison Librarian. Some professionals transition into training roles at institutions like the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) or join the National Archives of Zimbabwe or Ministry of Higher Education technical units.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—are typically offered to librarians in Zimbabwean public universities?
Public universities like Midlands State University offer statutory benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, sick leave under the Labour Act, and membership in the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). Medical aid is often provided through the National Health Service (NHSZ) or a university-negotiated scheme, though coverage levels vary and supplementary private cover is common among staff.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates’ applications?
Applications must be submitted via the university’s official portal or email as specified in the vacancy notice, accompanied by a CV, certified academic certificates, and a detailed application letter addressing key competencies. Employers prioritise evidence of hands-on experience with Zimbabwean academic library systems, familiarity with local information literacy frameworks, and demonstrated commitment to professional development through ZimLA or ARLP workshops.