# Chief Librarian Canonical URL: https://primejobalerts.com/jobs/chief-librarian-2 Company: Copperbelt University Category: Banking & Financial Services Location: Zambia, Kitwe Work type: Full-time Work arrangement: On-site Published: 2026-07-29 Expires: 2026-09-12 ## Job Description The University invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced, innovative and visionary individuals for the position of Chief Librarian. The Chief Librarian is a Principal Officer of the University appointed by the University Council in accordance with the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 as amended by the Higher Education (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2021. The position reports to the Vice-Chancellor and is responsible for the strategic development, control, management and coordination of the University’s library and information services in support of the University’s mandate of teaching, learning, research, innovation, industrialisation and community engagement. ### JOB PURPOSE To provide strategic leadership, policy direction and overall management of the University Library System by developing and implementing innovative, technology-driven and user-centred library and information services that support academic excellence, research productivity, knowledge creation, innovation and institutional effectiveness. The Chief Librarian shall ensure that the University’s library services remain responsive to emerging trends in higher education, digital scholarship, research support and global best practices in academic librarianship. ### KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Strategic Leadership and Governance: - Provide strategic leadership and direction for the effective management and continuous transformation of the University Library System in alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan; - Develop and implement policies, procedures, strategies and institutional frameworks that support teaching, learning, research, innovation, industrialisation and community engagement; and - Advise the Vice-Chancellor, Management and Senate on matters relating to library and information services, knowledge management and scholarly communication. ### 2.Future-Ready Library Leadership and Emerging Trends - Provide visionary leadership in positioning the University Library as a centre of excellence through the adoption of emerging global trends and best practices in academic librarianship; - Proactively identify, assess and implement innovative technologies, digital solutions and transformative library models that enhance access to knowledge and improve user experience; - Champion initiatives in Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, digital scholarship, research intelligence, open science, cloud-based library services and other emerging technologies relevant to higher education; and - Foster a culture of continuous innovation, agility and responsiveness to the evolving information needs of the University community. ### 3.Library and Knowledge Resource Management - Provide strategic oversight over the acquisition, development, preservation, accessibility and dissemination of print, electronic and digital information resources; - Ensure the development of sustainable collections that support academic programmes, research priorities and institutional growth; and - Promote effective knowledge management systems that facilitate institutional learning and organisational memory. ### 4.Research Support and Scholarly Communication - Lead the development of comprehensive research support services that enhance research productivity, visibility and impact; - Promote open access publishing, institutional repositories, research data management and bibliometric services; and - Strengthen research partnerships and facilitate access to global scholarly resources and knowledge networks. ### 5.Digital Transformation and Smart Library Services - Drive the digital transformation agenda of the University Library through the implementation of integrated library management systems and smart technologies; - Promote the development of digital learning spaces, virtual library services, mobile library platforms and innovative user-centred services; - Ensure the security, integrity and sustainability of digital information assets and library systems; and - Promote digital literacy and innovative learning environments across the University. ### 6.Policy Development, Quality Assurance and Compliance - Develop and review policies, standards and operational frameworks that promote excellence in library services; - Establish quality assurance systems, performance indicators and benchmarking mechanisms in line with national and international standards; and - Ensure compliance with the Higher Education Act, University Statutes and other applicable legal and regulatory requirements. ### 7.Financial and Resource Management - Provide strategic leadership in budgeting, financial planning and prudent utilisation of library resources; - Mobilise financial and technical resources through grants, partnerships and collaborative initiatives; and - Ensure efficient management of infrastructure, collections, technologies and provision of conducive studying and research environment. ### 8.Human Capital Development - Lead the recruitment, development, performance management and succession planning of library personnel; - Promote a high-performance culture characterised by professionalism, innovation, collaboration and continuous learning; and - Build institutional capacity to respond effectively to emerging trends in academic librarianship. ### 9.Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement - Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, libraries, government agencies, industry and international organisations; - Represent the University in national, regional and international professional forums; and - Strengthen collaborative networks that enhance resource sharing, research support and institutional visibility. ### 10.Corporate Governance, Risk Management and Reporting - Establish effective governance, risk management and internal control systems for the University Library; - Prepare and present statutory, strategic and performance reports to the Vice-Chancellor, Senate, Council and other relevant stakeholders; and - Monitor key performance indicators and implement continuous improvement strategies to ensure the Library remains globally competitive and responsive to the changing higher education landscape. ### QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE - A Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or its equivalent with a minimum of five (5) credits, including English Language; - A Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science or its equivalent from a recognised institution; - A Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, Information Science, Information Management, Knowledge Management or a related field from a recognised institution; - A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Library and Information Science, Information Science, Information Management, Knowledge Management or a related discipline will be an added advantage; - A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant post-qualification experience in an academic or research library, at least five (5) years of which must be at senior management level; - Demonstrable experience in strategic planning, institutional leadership, digital transformation, policy development and management of modern academic library systems; - Proven experience in research support services, institutional repositories, electronic information resources and digital scholarship; - A demonstrable record of scholarly publications, research and professional contributions; and - Membership of the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) with a valid practicing license. ### COMPETENCES AND SKILLS - Demonstrated strategic, visionary and transformational leadership with the ability to drive institutional change and continuous improvement; - Excellent strategic planning, policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills; - Proven ability to provide leadership in the development and transformation of modern academic library and information services; - Strong understanding of emerging trends and technologies in academic librarianship, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital scholarship, research data management, open science, institutional repositories, bibliometrics and integrated library management systems; - Demonstrated ability to anticipate, evaluate and respond proactively to emerging developments in higher education, research and information management; - Excellent financial planning, budgeting, resource mobilisation and prudent resource management skills; - Demonstrated capacity to lead organisational change, innovation and digital transformation initiatives; - High level of integrity, professionalism, accountability and ethical conduct; - High level of ICT proficiency and the ability to leverage technology to enhance service delivery and institutional effectiveness; - Demonstrated commitment to customer-focused service delivery, continuous learning, innovation and excellence. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT The position offers an attractive and competitive remuneration package commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications, experience and demonstrated competencies. The appointment shall be on a three (3)-year performance-based contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and the University’s operational requirements. The successful candidate will also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including gratuity, medical insurance, leave entitlements and other terms and conditions of service applicable to Principal Officers of the University. Interested applicants meeting the above specifications should submit a detailed Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, copies of National Registration Card, Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) validated and certified copies of Academic, Professional Certificates, valid professional membership and practicing certificate(s); and three (3) names of referees, two (2) of whom must be Professionally acquainted with the applicant. The applications in hard copies should be submitted to the undersigned not later than Friday, 7th August, 2026. Soft copies MUST be submitted as a SINGLE FILE to jobs@cbu.ac.zm. Clearly state the job title being applied for in the application letter or subject line for email applications. Female applicants are encouraged to apply. The Registrar The Copperbelt University Plot 4692, Jambo Drive, Riverside P O Box 21692 KITWE **Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted** ## Apply Use the canonical Prime Job Alerts page for full application instructions and source verification.