The role of academic liaison librarians in context of Education 5.0 in public universities in Zimbabwe

Purpose By exploring the responsibilities, challenges and best practices of liaison librarians, the study sought to identify effective strategies for embedding Education 5.0 into state university libraries in the country. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a mixed sequential methodology, combining observations and questionnaires to investigate the perceived roles of academic liaison librarians within the context of Education 5.0 in public universities in Zimbabwe. Participant observation was done at three public university libraries, followed by semi-structured questionnaires distributed to 53 academic liaison librarians and learning support librarians, purposively selected from several public universities’ websites and acquaintances. Findings The study findings revealed that academic liaison librarians were engaged in various tasks, including information literacy instruction, research support, faculty liaison, collection development and marketing. Additionally, the study highlighted that the transition to Education 5.0 has presented librarians with new challenges, necessitating the redefinition of their roles and the acquisition of updated skills to demonstrate value to stakeholders. Practical implications By shedding light on the roles and challenges faced by academic liaison librarians within the context of Education 5.0, this study contributes to the growing body of literature in library and information science. The findings offer valuable insights for librarians, educators and policymakers seeking to enhance the effectiveness and impact of academic libraries in the era of Education 5.0. Originality/value No research has been done on Education 5.0 and librarianship in Zimbabwe. Such research would enable librarians to adapt effectively to the changing educational environment and contribute optimally to their institutions’ success.