Her research interests pertain particularly to Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Libraries. She has therefore published articles on ICTs and libraries in peer-reviewed nternational journals. In addition to this, she has also published articles on other research topics, i.e. Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour and HIV and AIDS and has contributed to book chapters.
Dr Agnes Chikonzo has demonstrated excellence in University Administration and Higher Education Programming in line with the Heritage-based Education 5.0. As UZ Librarian, she has focused on the University of Zimbabwe Library becoming a knowledge hub by integrating digital technologies, collaborative learning spaces and learning spaces for users with special needs. Dr Chikonzo modernised the UZ Library by developing student learning spaces and acquiring assistive devices, software and ergonomic workstations for students with disabilities. She has led initiatives in information delivery and knowledge management as well as implementing various impactful projects for students and staff with special needs, and community outreach projects supporting health workers and underserved communities in Zimbabwe. Her transformative approach has advanced digital inclusion, virtual learning, and equitable access to quality education in alignment with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030.
In 2023, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, Professor dr Paul Mapfumo appointed Dr Agnes Chikonzo Chairman of the UZ Events Management Committee. She has subsequently organised high-profile university events. Notable among the events which she coordinated was the hosting of the 7th SADC Summit Public Lecture that was successfully delivered by The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, on the 15th of August 2024. Dr Agnes Chikonzo chaired the Inter-Ministerial Sub-Committee on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit Public Lecture.
In promoting internationalisation, Dr Chikonzo played a key role in UZ’s institutional data mobilsation for Times Higher Education (THE), a highly respected global ranking institution, contributing to University of Zimbabwe’s position as the 13th top university in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024—an unprecedented national achievement. She was instrumental in launching and publishing of the Kugona-Ukwenelisa: Journal of Science Technology & Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Development (KU-JSTEED), reinforcing UZ’s Research-Innovation-Industrialisation Ecosystem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led efforts to ensure remote access to over one million eBook titles and 150,000 e-journal titles, supporting more than 23,000 students and 2,000 staff members in the transition to online learning.
In 2011, Dr Chikonzo was elected to serve on the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Africa Section Standing Committee. IFLA is the Leading International body representing the interests of Library and Information Services and their users. It is the global voice of the Library and Information profession. It aims to promote high standards of provision and delivery of library and information services as well as encourage widespread understanding of the value of good library & information services.
In 2009 IGI Global honoured Dr Chikonzo with an award in recognition of remarkable and extraordinary commitment to the utilization and understanding of technological resources within the academic and research communities.
Under Dr Chikonzo’s leadership, the UZ Library transformed to become a model of a University Library and has maintained its status as Zimbabwe’s leading library. In her time as University Librarian, she continues to explore cutting edge mechanisms to enhance service delivery in response to the ever-changing information environment and demands of the UZ academic and research community.
