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Mapping	Notes	Date
Is superseded by and equivalent to CUACNM401 - Assess the significance of collection objects	Updated to meet Standards for Training Packages and clarify intent.	13/Jan/2016

Release	Release date
1 1 (this release)	20/Dec/2011

CodeSort Table listing Training packages that include this unit by the Code column	TitleSort Table listing Training packages that include this unit by the Title column	Release
CUL11 - Library, Information and Cultural Services Training Package	Library, Information and Cultural Services Training Package	1.0

CodeSort Table listing Qualifications that include this unit by the Code column	TitleSort Table listing Qualifications that include this unit by the Title column	Usage Recommendation	Release
CUL40111 - Certificate IV in Library, Information and Cultural Services	Certificate IV in Library, Information and Cultural Services	Superseded	1
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CodeSort Table listing Skill sets that include this unit by the Code column	TitleSort Table listing Skill sets that include this unit by the Title column	Usage Recommendation	Release
CULSS00007 - Organise and Access Collections Skill Set	Organise and Access Collections Skill Set	Superseded	1
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Scheme	Code	Classification value
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier	091303	Curatorial Studies

Scheme	Code	Classification value	Start date	End date
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier	091303	Curatorial Studies	12/Apr/2012

Modification History

Release	Comments
Release 1	This unit of competency first released with CUL11 Library, Information and Cultural Services Training Package version 1.0

Unit Descriptor

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete significance assessments of collection objects. Value, meaning and history attached to objects are some of the criteria applied to determine significance.

Application of the Unit

This unit applies to individuals who assess the significance of objects in collections or being considered for inclusion in collections.

In larger organisations, specialised curatorial staff may undertake this role. In smaller organisations, the role may be undertaken by individuals with broader management responsibilities, by committees and boards of management, or combinations of different personnel.

Work is undertaken autonomously, according to established procedures but in consultation with stakeholders.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Information

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Element	Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.	Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to assess the significance of objects	1.1 Research the need for significance assessment, using sources of information 1.2 Determine purpose for undertaking significance assessment 1.3 Identify organisational policies that relate to significance assessment of objects
2. Apply assessment methodology	2.1 Compile object files containing available details about objects and their history 2.2 Research the history and provenance of objects and explore their wider historical and environmental context 2.3 Consult with relevant personnel to inform the context , provenance and social values of objects 2.4 Analyse and record the fabric , design, manufacture and condition of objects
3. Develop statements of significance	3.1 Identify comparative examples and evaluate them using primary and comparative criteria 3.2 Write statements of significance that describe the value and meaning of objects 3.3 Seek feedback from colleagues on statements of significance 3.4 Enter significance assessments into organisational records
4. Review assessments of objects	4.1 Reassess significance of objects 4.2 Update statements of significance to reflect reassessment 4.3 Amend organisational records 4.4 Prepare recommendations for further action as required

Required Skills and Knowledge

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with relevant personnel regarding the provenance of objects
discuss significance issues with colleagues

initiative and enterprise skills to identify comparative examples
learning skills to seek assistance from technical specialists
literacy skills to:

prepare statements of significance
read and interpret information
take notes

planning and organising skills to:

establish timelines for significance assessments
sort information and sources

problem-solving skills to:

identify information useful in determining the significance of objects
verify information sources

research skills to:

research comprehensively for history and provenance information
access sources of information about objects and comparative examples
self-management skills to:
follow workplace procedures
prioritise work tasks and meet deadlines

teamwork skills to:

seek feedback on own work performance from colleagues
work collaboratively with others.

Required knowledge

collection management policies
collection strengths
organisational policies regarding managing collections and assessing objects
sources of information for comparative examples
sources of information that relate to:

national, state and local government public records
online collections databases
organisational policies and procedures

primary and comparative criteria
procedures for accessing reputable technical specialists
methodology for significance assessment of objects.

Evidence Guide

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Evidence of the ability to: research the history, provenance and comparative examples of objects assess the significance of a range of objects using the appropriate methodology.
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Assessment must ensure access to: information sources objects to assess organisational policies and procedures related to significance assessments.
Method of assessment	A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance evaluation of statements of significance about objects verbal or written questioning to assess knowledge of significance assessment methodologies responses to case studies. Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular client groups (consider the requirements of different age groups, clients with English as a second language, clients with disabilities, remote library users, etc.).
Guidance information for assessment	Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: CULPRE401A Implement preventive conservation activities.

Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Significance relates to:	value of items to past, present and future generations, such as: aesthetic historical scientific social.
Sources of information may include:	Australian War Memorial database of Collections Australia Network (CAN) collections Heritage Collections Council, Commonwealth of Australia historical societies Museums Australia National Archives of Australia national, state and local government public records online collections database of National Museum of Australia online databases organisational policies and procedures Picture Australia Powerhouse Museum.
Purpose may relate to:	arranging insurance collection management policy deaccessioning objects from collections guiding collection strategies guiding and supporting acquisition decisions guiding conservation policies and treatment supporting funding applications taking stock of collections.
Available details may relate to:	acquisition date catalogue forms condition reports copies of receipts of purchase copies of reference material donor details and correspondence images notes made when objects were acquired notes on related objects in collections published references.
History and provenance may include:	date of manufacture date of purchase general history notes about owners or places where objects were used photos of objects in use.
Relevant personnel may include:	associations or trades donors ethnic communities owners special interest community associations technical specialists users.
Context may relate to:	how objects relate to the history and geography of the area relationship to other objects localities where objects were used.
Fabric may relate to:	condition how object works details of its manufacture patterns of wear repairs and adaptation what object is made of.
Primary criteria may relate to:	aesthetic considerations, such as: balance colour design or technical excellence form harmony and beauty originality or innovation in design or execution skill in quality of workmanship or execution historical considerations, such as association with: event or activity person place process theme scientific or research significance, such as: collection history documented context social or spiritual significance, such as: association with communities public display.
Comparative criteria may relate to:	condition, intactness or integrity, such as: alterations disturbed or altered components or composition evidence of use missing components original or copy repairs still working unrestored unusually good condition for its type contribution to collections and museums interpretive potential of objects provenance, including: place of origin where and how objects were used who owned, used or made objects rarity, including: distinguishing qualities uniqueness unusualness representativeness, including: good example of its type typical or characteristic of material, style or design.
Statements of significance may provide:	brief, considered assessment of the values, meaning and importance of objects benchmarks for future use collection of knowledge and ideas about objects communication of values for interpretive programs images of collections being assessed and other comparative collections record of the crucial provenance details and association of objects summary of the meaning and importance of objects summary of the process of investigation and assessment.
Records may include:	catalogues objects online records.
Reassess may relate to:	changes in organisational strategy changes in collection policy new information.

Unit Sector(s)

Cultural services - Collection management

Unit of competency details

CULCNM401A - Assess the significance of collection objects (Release 1)

Summary

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Content