Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare locations for the display of cultural material. The unit focuses on assembly and construction of display and therefore has a strong link to some general building and construction skills. Unit CULMS407C Install and dismantle exhibition elements covers the actual installation of cultural material.

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 who construct and assemble display areas. In large cultural institutions, this work may constitute a complete job and be the responsibility of qualified tradespeople working under the guidance of curators and other specialised senior staff. However, in smaller organisations, people with a wide range of other general and collection management responsibilities may undertake this role either under supervision or autonomously.

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 

Prepare a location for the display of cultural material 

1.1

Clearly identify, assess and confirm accommodation requirements  for the display of cultural material  with relevant personnel 

1.2

Agree on equipment and materials to be used with relevant personnel

1.3

Correctly interpret plans and other documentation

1.4

Complete preparations according to agreed timelines and resources

1.5

Accurately record information relating to the preparation process and pass to the appropriate personnel

1.6

Comply with safe work and manual handling procedures at all times

2 

Construct /assemble mountings and display components 

2.1

Agree on mounting and display requirements  for cultural material  with relevant personnel  and within the scope of individual responsibility

2.2

Assess construction requirements that cannot immediately be met and propose alternative solutions, including consideration of external assistance

2.3

Check that the mounting and display components  used are compatible with the cultural and conservation requirements of the material

2.4

Ensure mounting and display components are capable of being disassembled and reassembled to meet specified relocation requirements

2.5

Test mounting and display components to ensure physical suitability prior to installation

2.6

Complete assembly or construction in accordance with requirements

2.7

Accurately record information relating to the construction and assembly and pass to appropriate personnel

2.8

Comply with safe work and manual handling procedures at all times

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• planning and organisational skills to organise equipment, materials and logical work plan for construction of display accommodation
• communication skills to liaise and agree on work requirements with other museum colleagues
• literacy skills to interpret drawings, work plans and exhibition documentation
• numeracy skills to calculate measurements.

Required knowledge 

• features and uses of different types of mounting and display equipment and their suitability for different types of cultural material
• display of material
• construction and assembly techniques for commonly used display structures
• ways of adapting or modifying existing structures to provide accommodation for new cultural material
• safe work and manual handling practices.

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:

• application of safe work practices
• demonstration of safe preparation and construction/assembly of accommodation for the display of cultural material
• knowledge of equipment, methods and materials commonly used for display (relevant to the work context).

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• use of current industry display equipment and systems
• access to relevant policies and procedures manuals
• access to equipment, tools and materials used for display of a collection.

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
• direct observation of the candidate completing construction/assembly tasks
• inspection of construction/assembly work completed by the candidate
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety issues, equipment features.

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

• CUFSAF01B Follow health, safety and security procedures
• CULMS407C Install and dismantle exhibition elements
• units from the BCG03 General Construction Industry Training Package.

It is recommended that this unit be assessed with or after units that focus on the use of tools, e.g.:

• MEM18.1C Use hand tools
• MEM18.2B Use power tools/hand held operations.

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.

Accommodation requirements  may relate to:

• access issues
• spatial planning
• environmental conditions
• protection issues
• display techniques and equipment
• building condition
• services/utilities requirements

Cultural material  is defined as 'objects, collections, artworks, specimens, structures or sites' and includes:

• archaeological material
• books and manuscripts
• cultural sites/buildings
• ethnographic material
• film/audiovisual material
• flora and fauna
• furniture
• photographs
• technological/industry items
• textiles
• works on paper/canvas

Relevant personnel  may include:

• conservator
• curator
• exhibition designer
• security personnel
• registrar

Mounting and display requirements  may include:

• visual access
• interactive access
• security
• safety and protection of object
• safety and protection of visitors
• conservation

Mounting and display components  may be permanent or temporary and may include:

• wall mountings
• free standing mounts
• ceiling mountings
• electronic displays
• display cases
• furniture
• interactive displays
• enclosures
• collection supports
• mannequins

Competency field 

Collection Management