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 for entire collections, or collections within a larger collection. Value, meaning and history attached to individual objects or collections as a whole are some of the criteria applied to determine significance.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to collecting organisations that make reasoned judgements and sound decisions when undertaking significance assessments that assist in the process of managing 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 collections |
1.1 Determine purpose for undertaking significance assessment 1.2 Identify organisational policies that relate to significance assessment 1.3 Identify collections to be assessed 1.4 In consultation with colleagues, identify factors that may impact on the assessment and take these into account when planning work |
2. Apply assessment methodology |
2.1 Research the history and wider context of collections using sources of information 2.2 Review the scope and themes of collection and compare to organisational mission, purpose and key themes 2.3 Consult with relevant personnel to determine the social value of collection 2.4 Analyse and describe the condition of collection |
3. Develop statements of significance |
3.1 Identify and compare collection with similar collections 3.2 Assess significance against primary and comparative criteria 3.3 Write statements of significance that describe the value and meaning of collection 3.4 Seek feedback from colleagues on statement of significance 3.5 Enter significance assessment into organisational records |
4. Review assessments of collections |
4.1 Reassess significance of collection 4.2 Update statement 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 in collections
- initiate discussions in the workplace and in the wider community about the significance of collections
- initiative and enterprise skills to identify comparative examples of collections
- learning skills to seek assistance from technical specialists
- literacy skills to:
- take notes
- read and interpret information
- prepare statements of significance
- planning and organising skills to:
- sort information and sources
- establish timelines for significance assessments
- problem-solving skills to:
- identify information useful in determining the significance of collections
- verify information sources
- research skills to:
- access and interrogate sources of information to determine the significance of collections
- research history and provenance information
- self-management skills to:
- follow workplace procedures
- prioritise work tasks and meet deadlines
- teamwork skills to:
- respond appropriately to feedback from others on information presented in formal and informal discussions
- work collaboratively with others.
Required knowledge
- organisational strengths, goals, policies and strategies in relation to collection management
- collection management policies
- primary and comparative criteria
- process to access technical specialists
- sources of information relating to assessing the significance of collections
- significance assessment methodology.
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:
|
Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure access to:
|
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:
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:
|
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.
Purpose might include: |
|
History may relate to: |
|
Wider context of collections relates to: |
|
Sources of information may include: |
|
Consult may relate to: |
|
Relevant personnel may include: |
|
Similar collections may relate to: |
|
Primary criteria may relate to: |
|
Comparative criteria may relate to: |
|
Statements of significance may provide: |
|
Records may include: |
|
Reassess may relate to: |
|
Unit Sector(s)
Cultural services - Collection management