Job description

Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU)

Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU) invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced, and dynamic individuals to fill the following positions:

CHIEF LIBRARIAN

JOB PURPOSE:

To provide strategic leadership and management of the University Library and Information Services, ensuring alignment with the University’s academic, research, and innovation agenda. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the Chief Librarian is responsible for the development and implementation of library strategies, the management of library collections, digital resources, information systems, and research support services, and the promotion of equitable access to knowledge resources for students, staff, and researchers. The role also drives digital scholarship initiatives, information literacy programmes, strategic partnerships, and the effective management of the Library’s financial, physical, and human resources to support excellence in teaching, learning, research, and innovation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide strategic direction and visionary leadership to the University Library and Information Services, ensuring the Library’s strategy aligns with and advances the University’s overall strategic plan and academic mission;
2. Develop, implement, and periodically review library policies, systems and procedures to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with best practice in academic library management;
3. Coordinate the acquisition, organisation, preservation, and dissemination of information resources in both print and electronic formats, ensuring collections are current, relevant, and responsive to the teaching and research needs of the University;
4. Lead the development and management of digital libraries, institutional repositories, open access platforms, and electronic information services to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of the University’s research output;
5. Champion open access initiatives and research data management frameworks, supporting the full research lifecycle from discovery, through active inquiry, to the dissemination and preservation of scholarly outputs;
6. Develop and promote a University-wide information literacy programme, working in close collaboration with Schools and Faculties to embed library and research skills across academic curricula at undergraduate and postgraduate levels;
7. Provide proactive and high-quality research support services including bibliometric analysis, scholarly communication support, and research consultation to academic staff, postgraduate students, and research teams;
8. Support teaching, learning, and innovation by engaging academic departments as a strategic partner in the design and delivery of programmes, ensuring library resources and services are fully integrated into the University’s learning environment;
9. Prepare, manage, and account for the Library budget, ensuring prudent resource allocation, value for money, and the mobilisation of additional resources through grants, donor funding, and strategic partnerships;
10. Build, lead, and develop a high-performing library workforce by fostering a culture of professional excellence, continuous learning, innovation, and responsive service delivery;
11. Establish and maintain strategic partnerships and collaborations with local, regional, and international libraries, information networks, consortia, and knowledge institutions to expand access to resources and share best practice;
12. Ensure the Library’s infrastructure, physical spaces, technology systems, and digital platforms are fit for purpose, future-ready, and conducive to a vibrant and inclusive scholarly environment;
13. Ensure full compliance with professional standards, regulatory requirements, intellectual property laws, and best practices in library and information management;
14. Monitor, evaluate, and report regularly on Library performance, service delivery, budget utilisation, and strategic progress to University Management, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making;
15. Advise the University Management on all matters relating to library development, information services strategy, emerging trends in academic librarianship, and the evolving digital information landscape.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate with five (5) credits or better, including English Language and Mathematics;
2. Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent qualification;
3. Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, Information Management or a related field;
4. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Library and Information Systems or a related field will be an added advantage;
5. Minimum of eight (8) years’ post-qualification experience, of which at least four (4) years must be at senior management level in an academic or research library;
6. Demonstrated experience in digital library systems, research support services, and institutional repositories;
7. Membership of a relevant professional body.

ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES

• Proven strategic leadership and management skills, with the ability to develop and implement innovative library and information service strategies that support teaching, learning, research, and innovation.
• Strong organisational, financial, and human resource management skills, including the ability to lead change, manage budgets, and develop high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary academic librarianship, digital library systems, research support services, institutional repositories, open access initiatives, and emerging information technologies.
• Sound understanding of scholarly communication, research data management, intellectual property, copyright, information ethics, and relevant library standards and regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data and performance metrics to inform decision-making and service improvement.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive partnerships and effectively represent the Library at institutional, national, and international levels.
• Demonstrated commitment to service excellence, equitable access to information resources, diversity and inclusion, and the promotion of information literacy and lifelong learning.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, innovation, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic higher education environment.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

How to Apply

Applications should be addressed to the:

The Registrar
Levy Mwanawasa Medical University
Email address: registrar@lmmu.ac.zm

Interested candidates should submit the following:

1. Cover letter detailing suitability for the role.
2. Updated CV with contact details of three referees.
3. Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications.
4. Levy Mwanawasa Medical University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

Deadline

All applications must be received by 14th August, 2026.