Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to evaluate and review the use of collections, to develop and maintain policies, and to manage processes for the selection, acquisition and disposal of materials.

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

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to individuals with a strategic responsibility for collection development and management in an information services context. It requires the application of significant analytical, communication and planning skills combined with an in-depth knowledge of information services trends and practice. Work is undertaken autonomously but in consultation with other colleagues and wider stakeholders.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability Skills 

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary for the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying Employability Skills requirements.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 

Evaluate and review use of the collection 

1.1

Develop mechanisms for the acquisition and maintenance of data on collection use  and reasons for demand/lack of demand

1.2

Evaluate and review usage data as the basis for collection policies which reflect and anticipate customer demands and changing needs

2 

Develop collection strategies and policies 

2.1

Develop collection strategies and policies which reflect the organisation's directions and strategies, and awareness of relevant constraints , including cultural considerations

2.2

Consult with key stakeholders  in relation to collection strategies and policies

2.3

Develop collection strategies and policies which incorporate an appropriate mix of in-house collection and access to information from remote sources

2.4

Integrate current and emerging industry trends  into collection strategies

2.5

Ensure collection strategies and policies reflect evaluation of the collection use, availability of alternative formats for information and potential resource sharing

2.6

Integrate the potential for appropriate co -operative projects  with other information providers into strategies and policies

3 

Manage selection , acquisition and disposal of materials 

3.1

Establish and monitor processes to coordinate and control the selection, acquisition and disposal of materials in accordance with policies

3.2

Assess resource implications of selection and communicate to the appropriate staff

3.3

Establish and maintain processes to review the collection  in line with collection strategies and policies

3.4

Initiate appropriate collaborative or cooperative projects to benefit the organisation's customers

Required Skills and knowledge 

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to initiate collaborative projects, to communicate and introduce change, and to undertake consultation processes on strategic and operational issues with a wide range of stakeholders and colleagues
• critical thinking skills to analyse and integrate a wide range of concepts to create coherent policy and strategic positions
• planning and organisational skills to develop and manage policies, strategies and processes in an integrated way
• problem-solving skills to analyse strategic issues and challenges and to develop appropriate responses
• literacy skills to interpret varied and complex information and ideas
• numeracy skills to assess and develop resource strategies for collection development.

Required knowledge 

• mechanisms for research of collection use and applicability of different mechanisms to different contexts
• current and emerging industry trends in relation to collection development in an information services context
• detailed understanding of selection and acquisition processes and procedures

• collection development policies in libraries and information agencies, including selection, weeding and stocktaking policies
• types of co-operative projects that exist between different information services providers
• copyright, moral rights and intellectual property legislation and issues that impact on collection development policies
• legal issues that impact on collection development, e.g. Archives Act, disposal schedules, Copyright Act and amendments
• cultural protocols that affect the development of collection strategies.

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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• practical demonstration of skills through the development of collection policies and strategies, addressing requirements and constraints for a specific workplace context
• in-depth knowledge of information services practices and trends.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to relevant policies and procedures manuals
• access to a collection for which management strategies and policies may be developed.

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 by the candidate

• evaluation of strategies and policies developed by the candidate to meet a specific workplace need
• evaluation of strategies and policies developed by the candidate adapted to different context sand situations.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• CULLB509C Select and acquire information materials.

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.

Mechanisms for the acquisition and maintenance of data on collection use  may include:

• informal feedback from customers and other staff
• surveys and other investigations
• regular review of collection against organisational objectives
• community consultations
• interviews
• analysis of collection usage

Relevant constraints  may include:

• information provider's priorities
• legislative requirements
• ethical considerations
• intellectual property issues
• licensing and other legal agreements
• finances
• economics of alternative forms of, and access to, information
• care and maintenance capability
• cultural protocols

Key stakeholders  may include:

• customers/community
• other information providers
• boards of management
• local councils
• information specialists

Current and emerging industry trends  may relate to:

• changes in usage patterns
• change in customer profile
• technological developments
• economic trends

Co -operative projects  may take place with:

• related organisations
• other libraries and information agencies in Australia and overseas
• providers of networked information
• other commercial vendors

Processes to review the collection  may include:

• review of organisational policies and procedures manuals
• review of strategic plans
• conspectus procedures
• quality assurance processes, e.g. customer feedback, organisational requirements

Competency field 

Information Organisation and Management