Library Assistant at Mpesa Foundation Academy

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Library Assistant will perform technical and professional duties to support the Resource centre’s operations, ensuring efficient access to resources while maintaining a safe, organized, and technologically advanced learning environment. The role includes running the day to day library operations through Destiny Follett System, support patrons, promote reading culture among learners and enforce childsafeguarding policies at the academy. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Library Operations & Patron Support

• Manage circulation desk activities (check-in/check-out, renewals, reservations) using Destiny Follett.
• Assist patrons (students/scholars/teachers/staff) with inquiries in person, via email, or online platforms.
• Guide users in navigating the Destiny catalog, e-resources, and reference materials.
• Process new materials (books, digital media) into the Destiny system (cataloging, labeling, shelving).
• Conduct regular shelf-reading and maintain orderly stacks.

Destiny System Management

• Generate and analyze system reports (circulation stats, overdue items) to inform the supervisor in decisions making.
• Update patron databases (students/scholars/teachers/staff) 
• Maintain the Academy repository (digital archives) per resource centre policies.

 Stock Management & Loss Control

• Conduct annual stock-taking and reconcile discrepancies in Destiny.
• Implement loss prevention strategies (e.g., tracking overdue items, collecting fines).
• Weed outdated/damaged materials and update inventory records.
• Distribute textbooks/classroom resource packs and track returns

Promotional & Administrative Duties

• Champion reading culture at the academy by promoting library programs (e.g., reading challenges, literacy fairs).
• Organize library events (book fairs, author visits, library tours).
• Compile summaries/reports on resource usage and patron feedback.

Child Safeguarding & Compliance

• Enforce the academy child safeguarding and protection policies at the resource centre (e.g., monitoring student access, reporting concerns).
• Ensure a safe environment at the resopurce centre by adhering to child safeguarding protocols during programs/events.
• Collaborate with the safeguarding team to address risks or incidents.

TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

• Diploma/Degree in Library infromation Science, Information Science, or related field.
• 2+ years’ experience in a busy institutional library/resource center.
• Proficiency in library management systems (e.g., Destiny Follett).
• Training in child protection/safeguarding (certification a plus).
• Professionalmembership is a plus

Skills & Attitudes:

• Strong communication (oral/written) and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with analytical abilities (data/report interpretation).
• Team player with flexibility for rotating shifts/weekend duties

CORE COMPETENCIES

Technical Proficiency

• Advanced in Library management system e.g Destiny Follett System.

Child Safeguarding

• Knowledge of child protection policies and proactive risk mitigation.

Organizational Skills

• Accuracy in stock management, weeding, and inventory control.

Customer Service

• Ability to assist diverse users (students, teachers/staff and visitors) with patience and clarity.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS):

Circulation Efficiency:

• Accuracy in check-in/check-out transactions.
• Reduction in overdue items on quarterly basis.

System Management:

• 100% timely updates to patron records and digital repositories.

Safeguarding Compliance:

• Zero unresolved incidents related to child safety at the resource centre.

Inventory Control:

• Adhere to annual inventory exercise to minimize stock loss