MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY

STAFF VACANCIES

(RE-ADVERTISEMENT)

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

LIBRARY DEPARTMENT

SUB-LIBRARIAN – LIBRARY CLIENT SERVICES 

Position Overview

The Sub-Librarian coordinates operations within the Main Library’s Client Services ecosystem and reports directly to the Deputy Librarian for Academic Support and Operations. The role includes providing specialised client information and resource services to staff and students, thereby supporting the University’s teaching and learning initiatives, research activities, innovation efforts, community engagement, and industrialisation agenda.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:

• A Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, together with an undergraduate degree in Library and Information Science.

OR

• A Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, plus any other undergraduate degree, together with a Higher National Diploma in Library and Information Science.

In addition, applicants must have:

• At least three (3) years of post-qualification experience in a University Library at the Assistant Librarian or Senior Assistant Librarian level.

Required Skills and Competencies

• A sound understanding of the Education 5.0 philosophy and its practical application to the delivery of library resources and services.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to manage and develop junior library staff.
• Proficiency with current and emerging library technologies and electronic resource management systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Sub-Librarian will be responsible for the following:

• Policy and Quality: Assist in developing, implementing, and reviewing library policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality manuals.
• Collection Development: Assist in developing, maintaining, and reviewing the library’s physical and electronic collections in alignment with the university’s curriculum, and manage the selection, acquisition, and weeding of resources.
• Reference and Research Support: Provide specialised reference services and high-level research assistance to staff and students. 
• Information Literacy and Training: Assist in designing and delivering customised information literacy workshops and reference-management training, and provide guidance on copyright, fair use, and academic integrity.
• Operations Management: Supervises the day-to-day operations of the Library’s Client Services Section, including circulation-desk management and interlibrary loans, and maintains a modern, quiet, and conducive study environment.
• Technology and Innovation: Assists in identifying, recommending, and implementing emerging library technologies and electronic resource management systems to improve user satisfaction.
• Risk and Compliance: Manages operational risks, implements internal controls, and ensures strict adherence to university library policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Outreach and Community Engagement: Participates in library orientation, outreach, and community engagement programs.

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

Midlands State University is an equal opportunities employer. In the interest of promoting gender parity, female candidates are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants must submit copies of applications with the following: application letter, certified certificates, transcripts, copies of academic (‘O’ and ‘A’ level), national identification 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 addressed to the Deputy Registrar – Human Resource

The application pack should be sent as a single merged pdf file to email address: vacancies@staff.msu.ac.zw.  

Closing date for applications is 18 September 2026.  Note that only shortlisted candidates will be communicated to.

Applicants should clearly state the post being applied 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.