News
Midlands State University (MSU) has taken a leading role in advancing digital transformation in Zimbabwe’s higher education sector by hosting a national workshop to train librarians in the use of advanced artificial intelligence tools.
Held on 26 March 2026 at the Gweru Main Campus in collaboration with the Zimbabwe University Libraries Consortium, the hands-on workshop brought together librarians from universities across the country to develop practical AI skills for modern library systems.
Running under the theme “Empowering Librarians with Artificial Intelligence: From Automation to Agentic Innovation,” the programme focused on integrating AI into everyday library operations, including cataloguing, information retrieval, research support and user engagement.
Delivering the welcome address, MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Administration, Professor M. Maphosa, said the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader technological vision.
“This workshop is timely, coming at the very moment Zimbabwe launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. It is a critical step for our libraries to align with national technological priorities,” he said.
Professor Maphosa stressed the importance of equipping librarians with practical AI competencies to strengthen knowledge management and enhance institutional competitiveness in an increasingly digital academic environment.
Opening the session, MSU Librarian Ms. N.P. Chibanda urged participants to embrace innovation and reposition themselves within the evolving information landscape.
“Librarians must move beyond being custodians of information to becoming proactive agents of innovation within their institutions,” she said.
The workshop was facilitated by MSU Director of Information Technology Services, Mr. Liberty Dandira, who guided participants through practical sessions designed to translate theory into application. Widely known as “Changamire” for his work on higher education learning management systems, Mr. Dandira led interactive exercises that enabled librarians to design AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
Participants engaged in a Practical Agentic AI Laboratory, where they developed and tested applications aimed at improving research support, data curation and user experience in library services.
The training marked a significant shift in how librarians approach their roles, encouraging a move from traditional information management to dynamic digital facilitation.
The successful workshop reaffirmed MSU’s position as a leader in innovation and capacity building, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s library professionals remain at the forefront of global trends in artificial intelligence and academic research support.
Held on 26 March 2026 at the Gweru Main Campus in collaboration with the Zimbabwe University Libraries Consortium, the hands-on workshop brought together librarians from universities across the country to develop practical AI skills for modern library systems.
Running under the theme “Empowering Librarians with Artificial Intelligence: From Automation to Agentic Innovation,” the programme focused on integrating AI into everyday library operations, including cataloguing, information retrieval, research support and user engagement.
Delivering the welcome address, MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Administration, Professor M. Maphosa, said the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader technological vision.
“This workshop is timely, coming at the very moment Zimbabwe launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. It is a critical step for our libraries to align with national technological priorities,” he said.
Professor Maphosa stressed the importance of equipping librarians with practical AI competencies to strengthen knowledge management and enhance institutional competitiveness in an increasingly digital academic environment.
Opening the session, MSU Librarian Ms. N.P. Chibanda urged participants to embrace innovation and reposition themselves within the evolving information landscape.
“Librarians must move beyond being custodians of information to becoming proactive agents of innovation within their institutions,” she said.
The workshop was facilitated by MSU Director of Information Technology Services, Mr. Liberty Dandira, who guided participants through practical sessions designed to translate theory into application. Widely known as “Changamire” for his work on higher education learning management systems, Mr. Dandira led interactive exercises that enabled librarians to design AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
Participants engaged in a Practical Agentic AI Laboratory, where they developed and tested applications aimed at improving research support, data curation and user experience in library services.
The training marked a significant shift in how librarians approach their roles, encouraging a move from traditional information management to dynamic digital facilitation.
The successful workshop reaffirmed MSU’s position as a leader in innovation and capacity building, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s library professionals remain at the forefront of global trends in artificial intelligence and academic research support.
Published
March 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM
