Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Usage data may be collected from:
analysis of collection usage
community consultations
data collection using automated systems
informal feedback from customers and other staff
interviews
regular review of collections against organisational objectives
surveys and other methods of formal feedback.
Current and emerging trends may relate to:
changes in community profiles
changes in usage patterns
digitisation and preservation of materials
growth of collaboration in the acquisitions process through outsourcing, consortia and networks
outsourcing of collection development functions
technological developments affecting formats and acquisitions methods.
Formats may include:
audiovisual, such as:
DVDs and blu-ray
audio books in various formats
digitised materials
e-resources, such as:
e-books
e-journals
MP3 files
microform
multimedia and kits
periodicals, such as:
newspapers
magazines
journals
photographs
print materials
realia or artefacts.
Libraries and information services organisations may include:
archives
co-located local government services, such as:
local councils
libraries
tourist information centres
government departments, agencies and bookshops
information units, including:
business and financial information units
information units within a parent organisation
galleries
libraries, such as:
national and state
public and private
school
medical
law
business
university
TAFE
museums
online service providers
records management units.
Policy issues may relate to:
allocation of funding across the collection
challenged materials
collection development and management
copyright, moral rights and intellectual property
cultural and ethnic considerations
disposal of unwanted items
licensing
purchase plans and contracts, such as:
approval plans
outsourcing
networks
consortia
selecting, acquiring and weeding
special collections
vendors.
Supply optionsmay relate to:
approval plans
creating
digitising
leasing
licensing
outsourcing
renting
subscription.
Developing proposalsmay be based on:
client groups
format options
specific requests
usage patterns.
Processes may include:
applying conspectus levels in relation to collection development
identifying gaps in collection using automated shelf lists
reviewing and updating collection development policies in relation to community profile and client needs and demands
reviewing organisational policies and procedure manuals
stocktake procedures.
Selection tools may include:
databases
online and print
publisher and supplier information
reviews.
Details for acquisitionmay include:
availability
cost
format
suppliers’ details.
Performance of contractors may relate to:
after-hours service
competitiveness
flexibility
quality of service
range of products and services, such as:
shelf-ready services for physical processing and cataloguing
approval plans
blanket orders
responsiveness
technological compatibility of vendor systems with library management systems.
Outsourced servicesmay relate to:
acquisitions
bar coding
binding
book purchasing
cataloguing
computer centre and services
copy cataloguing
de-acidification
document delivery and retrieval
imaging
indexing
licensing
microfilming
network management
records management
repairs
shelving
subscription management
web page design and hosting.

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:
analyse usage data
apply knowledge of collection strategies and policies that address the requirements and constraints of specific workplace contexts
make acquisition recommendations
develop recommendations that address selection criteria for a variety of collections and formats.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
relevant policies and procedures manuals
a collection for which management strategies and policies may be managed
usage data.
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:
case studies to assess the ability to make acquisition recommendations using specified policies and strategies
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance
direct questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of collection management policy issues.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CULICM603A Manage collection maintenance and preservation procedures.