DEPUTY LIBRARIAN – ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND OPERATIONS 

MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY

STAFF VACANCY 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following post:

LIBRARY DEPARTMENT

POST: DEPUTY LIBRARIAN – ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND OPERATIONS 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Deputy Librarian for Academic Support and Operations will play a key leadership role in strengthening the Library’s support for student learning, staff teaching, and overall operations to meet clients’ needs. This position will supervise the delivery and continuous improvement of essential library services, including client assistance, reference services, circulation of library resources, staff management across all university branch libraries, and will collaborate with academic departments to ensure comprehensive support for the University’s academic programmes. 

The incumbent will also ensure that library services align with the University’s strategic objectives and effectively support Education 5.0. These include information literacy training, promoting library resources, and managing the development of the Library’s print collections. Working closely with the University Librarian, the Deputy Librarian for Academic Support and Operations will encourage innovative practices and foster a supportive learning environment for students and staff at Midlands State University. The role supervises and guides faculty librarians, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, professional standards, and emerging trends in academic librarianship and Education 5.0. The incumbent serves as a key member of the Library Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, space reimagining, and continuous improvement initiatives across the Library system. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Library and Information Science
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience at the Sub-Librarian level.

SKILLS REQUIRED

•   Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in writing reports.
•   Computer-literate with sound research skills.
•   Good interpersonal Skills
•   Ability to function independently 
•  Good advocacy skills
•  Resource Mobilisation skills
•  Presentation and Public Speaking skills
•  Negotiation and Conflict Resolution skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategies for providing accessible and efficient library services to students and staff throughout the University’s multi-campus ecosystem.
• Manage all aspects of client services, ensuring high customer satisfaction, effective communication, and efficient and effective circulation workflows to support the borrowing and returning of library materials.
• Contribute to the Library’s strategic planning by identifying areas for improvement and developing initiatives to enhance service delivery.
• Assist in developing and implementing library policies, standard operating procedures, and quality manuals.
• Assist in managing risks pertaining to library physical spaces and collections.
• Ensure library spaces are modern, welcoming, accessible, and conducive to study and research.
• Coordinate the delivery of library orientation, outreach, and community engagement programmes.
• Coordinate the development and delivery of library instruction programs, including information literacy sessions.
• Collaborate with academic staff to incorporate library resources and services into course curricula, ensuring they align with the University’s academic programmes. 
• Promote innovative technologies that enhance the Library’s support for teaching and learning. 
• Manage and enhance the reference services provided by the Library, ensuring users receive prompt, precise, and pertinent information.
• Supervise a team of Faculty Librarians and guide research assistance, query resolution, and resource utilisation.
• Offer guidance and mentorship to library staff within the Client Services Unit.

*NB: Midlands State University is an equal opportunities employer.  In promoting gender parity, female candidates are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants must submit copies of applications with the following: application letter, certified certificates and curriculum vitae giving full details of names, place and date of birth, experience, present salary, date of availability, contact telephone number (s) and names and email addresses of three referees to: 

Deputy Registrar (Human Resource)

Midlands State University

vacancies@staff.msu.ac.zw

Application documents must be in a single-scan PDF format. The closing date for this advert is 03 January 2026.   Applicants should clearly state the post they are applying for in the subject line. It should also be noted that non-adherence to any of the above instructions will automatically cause the application to be disqualified.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 30 days of the advert’s closing date.  If you are not contacted, your application will be deemed unsuccessful.  

NB: The successful candidate may be deployed to any of the University Campuses.