Located in Thika, Kiambu County, the MPESA Foundation Academy is a modern, innovative, and student-centered educational institution dedicated to nurturing leadership, academic excellence, and character development. As a premier institution offering a holistic learning experience, the Academy is currently inviting applications from qualified, experienced, and passionate individuals for the role of Library Assistant. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a thriving educational environment that prioritizes academic integrity, child safety, and a robust reading culture.
Position: Library Assistant
Job Grade: 8
Department: Teaching and Learning
Reporting To: Senior Library Assistant
Contract Type: 2 Years Renewable (Based on Performance)
Duty Station: Thika, Kiambu
Role Overview
The Library Assistant will be an essential part of the Resource Centre’s team, supporting daily library operations and providing patrons—students, staff, and scholars—with access to high-quality resources. The successful candidate will utilize the Destiny Follett System to manage circulation, support stock management, champion a reading culture, and uphold child safeguarding standards. This multifaceted role demands a proactive, organized, and tech-savvy individual who thrives in a dynamic academic environment.
Key Responsibilities
Library Operations and Patron Support
The Library Assistant will play a frontline role in managing the day-to-day activities at the Resource Centre. This includes:
- Running circulation desk functions such as check-ins, check-outs, renewals, and reservations via Destiny Follett.
- Providing assistance to all patrons—students, teachers, and staff—whether in person, by email, or through online platforms.
- Guiding users on how to effectively use the library catalog, access e-resources, and locate reference materials.
- Processing new physical and digital resources by cataloging, labeling, and shelving them properly within the Destiny system.
- Conducting regular shelf-reading exercises and ensuring that library materials are organized systematically for easy access.
Destiny System Management
A significant component of the role involves managing the Destiny Follett Library Management System. Specific tasks include:
- Generating reports on library usage such as circulation statistics and overdue item logs, to aid in decision-making by senior staff.
- Updating and maintaining accurate patron databases for students, teachers, and other users.
- Managing and updating the Academy’s digital repository in accordance with resource center policies and archival standards.
Stock Management and Loss Control
Efficient resource tracking and inventory control are integral to the role. The Library Assistant will:
- Conduct annual stock-taking and address any discrepancies found in the Destiny system.
- Implement strategies to reduce loss, such as monitoring overdue items and coordinating fine collection where applicable.
- Regularly weed out outdated or damaged materials and update inventory records accordingly.
- Coordinate the distribution of textbooks and resource packs to classrooms, as well as track and follow up on returns.
Promotional and Administrative Duties
Beyond administrative tasks, the Library Assistant will serve as a literacy ambassador by:
- Promoting reading initiatives such as literacy fairs and reading challenges, helping to cultivate a reading culture among students.
- Planning and executing library events including author visits, book fairs, and library orientation tours for new users.
- Compiling regular reports on library usage trends and patron feedback to guide continuous improvement.
Child Safeguarding and Compliance
As part of the Academy’s strict child protection framework, the Library Assistant will:
- Monitor and enforce child safeguarding and protection protocols during all library programs and in daily operations.
- Ensure that the library remains a secure environment, proactively addressing risks and adhering to all relevant procedures.
- Collaborate with the safeguarding team in investigating and resolving any concerns or incidents affecting student welfare.
Technical and Professional Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in Library and Information Science, Information Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a busy institutional library or resource center.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the Destiny Follett Library Management System is essential.
- Training in child protection or safeguarding; certification is an added advantage.
- Membership in a relevant professional association is considered a plus.
Desired Skills and Attributes
- Excellent communication skills—both oral and written—with the ability to assist diverse user groups.
- High level of attention to detail and the ability to interpret and act on data-driven reports.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a customer service mindset.
- Ability to work as part of a team and adjust to flexible schedules, including rotating shifts and weekend duties.
Core Competencies
Technical Proficiency
Demonstrated expertise in library systems, particularly Destiny Follett, and the ability to manage digital repositories and cataloging.
Child Safeguarding Awareness
Comprehensive understanding of child protection principles and the ability to enforce safeguarding policies within the resource center.
Organizational Capabilities
Efficient in maintaining accurate inventory records, implementing weeding schedules, and ensuring timely processing of library materials.
User-Centered Service
Strong aptitude in delivering support to patrons with clarity, empathy, and professionalism, creating a welcoming learning environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Circulation Efficiency
- Consistent accuracy in all check-in and check-out transactions.
- A measurable reduction in overdue items on a quarterly basis.
System Management
- 100% compliance in updating patron records and maintaining digital archives.
- Timely generation of system-based reports and summaries for decision-making.
Safeguarding Compliance
- Zero unresolved incidents related to child safety within the Resource Centre.
- Active enforcement of safeguarding protocols during all library events and interactions.
Inventory Control
- Full participation in annual inventory exercises.
- Effective control of resource loss through proactive measures and tracking.
Application Guidelines
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications and experience requirements are invited to submit their applications via email.
Application Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Library Assistant – LA/07/2025
Application Documents: A well-written cover letter and updated CV
Application Deadline: Monday, 4th August 2025
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.
Important Notice
MPESA Foundation Academy does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment and selection process. No agents have been authorized to act on behalf of the Academy in this recruitment exercise. The Academy is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff to share this commitment.
MPESA Foundation Academy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply regardless of gender, disability, race, religion, or background.
