Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop and apply a basic knowledge of the museum industry. As such, the unit underpins performance across all areas of museum practice.

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 working in any type of museum who need to source, develop and apply current and emerging information about the industry.

The unit is most relevant to individuals working in support roles as more specialised and advanced museum research and management skills are found in other units.

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 

Source and apply industry information 

1.1

Identify and use relevant sources to acquire basic information about the museums industry 

1.2

Use industry knowledge appropriately to enhance the quality of work outcomes

2 

Source and apply information on industry employment obligations and opportunities 

2.1

Identify and use relevant sources to acquire information about employment obligations and opportunities  in the museums industry

2.2

Use knowledge of industry employment obligations and opportunities appropriately within day-to-day work activities

3 

Seek opportunities to update industry knowledge 

3.1

Identify and use a range of information sources and opportunities to update knowledge  of the museum industry

3.2

Monitor current key issues affecting the industry , using appropriate industry channels

3.3

Share updated knowledge with customers and colleagues as appropriate, and incorporate into day-to-day work activities

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• research skills to source information on general industry issues within a defined range
• literacy skills to interpret a wide variety of information sources.

Required knowledge 

• sources of information on the museum industry
• industry operating structures
• nature and role of museums (historical and contemporary)
• historical and philosophical development of museums and their role within the community (both large and small museums)
• concept of sustainable museum practice (environmental, economic and social)
• key work areas within museums
• relationships between museums, other cultural agencies and other industries
• nature, role and functions of relevant unions and employer bodies
• overview of legislation that impacts on the industry, including cultural heritage, privacy, child protection, copyright
• major industry organisations and professional associations
• employee and employer obligations.

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:

• general knowledge of the museum industry and ways to maintain currency of knowledge
• understanding of the ways in which industry knowledge can be applied to work activities to enhance work outcomes
• sourcing and application of industry information to specific contexts and work activities.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to sources of industry information.

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 candidate's response to different scenarios to assess ability to apply knowledge to different industry contexts and situations
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of different aspects of the museum industry.

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

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.

Basic information about the museums industry  should include:

• role, function and history of museums in the community, including different structures and philosophies
• key contacts and industry networks
• relationship of museums industry to other industries and other cultural agencies
• products and services typically provided by museums
• legislation that impacts on the industry
• concept of sustainable museum practice

The role , function and history of museums  may relate to:

• acquisition
• conservation
• research
• communication
• education
• operating structure

The history of museums  may relate to:

• early development both in Australia and overseas
• current trends and developments
• changing roles within the community
• operating structures
• changing concepts/philosophies of museums

Information sources and opportunities to update knowledge  may include:

• industry associations and organisations
• industry journals
• media
• Internet
• reference manuals
• events e.g. conferences, seminars, trade fairs
• training programs
• community activities
• activities staged by other institutions
• social events
• unions and employer bodies
• professional associations

Employment obligations and opportunities in the museums industry  may relate to:

• career opportunities
• basic rights and responsibilities of the employer and employee
• employment conditions
• award provisions
• enterprise bargaining agreements
• job descriptions
• codes of conduct
• codes of ethics

Other industries  with which the museum industry has a relationship may include:

• visual arts
• tourism
• hospitality
• retail
• community recreation
• library/information services
• education
• information technology

Current issues affecting the industry  may relate to:

• government initiatives
• funding policies
• changing nature of the visitor/community
• trends in museum practice
• cultural protocols

Competency field 

Museum Practice