Binds 16S rRNA, required for the assembly of 30S particles and may also be responsible for determining the conformation of the 16S rRNA at the A site. Binds 1 zinc ion per subunit. Part of the 30S ribosomal subunit. Contacts proteins S3 and S10 (By similarity). Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uS14 family. Zinc-binding uS14 subfamily.