Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:30 PM AWST
21/07/2026 11:30 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide subject access and classify material
Provide subject access and classify material
Unit of competency
National Code
CULINM502A
CULINM502A
State Code
D9423
D9423
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/03/2012
Field of Education
091301 - Librarianship And Information Management
Original Release Date
08/03/2012
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide subject access and classify material to be catalogued. The unit focuses on subject cataloguing, which requires the application of bibliographic organisation methods and the ability to use interpretation and judgement to deviate from precedents where necessary.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Catalogue material
- 1.1 Analyse subject content of material using knowledge of general concepts and principles of bibliographic control, relevant standards and customer needs
- 1.2 Create records following organisational standards, precedents and techniques and according to industry standards
- 1.3 Evaluate and adapt precedents to meet specified needs
- 1.4 Select appropriate subject headings and cataloguing tools and standards
- 1.5 Construct sufficient headings to enhance access to information using standards and authorities lists
- 1.6 Format description
- 1.7 Consult with relevant colleagues to determine systematic and reasonable approaches to cataloguing complex material where no precedents exist
2. Classify material
- 2.1 Use chosen classification systems to reflect knowledge of principles of organisation
- 2.2 Select a classification number consistent with classification system that reflects understanding of subject content and provides ready access for customers and staff
- 2.3 Check shelf list or online catalogue for previously assigned classification numbers for similar items
3. Contribute to maintenance and development of cataloguing practices
- 3.1 Maintain and apply knowledge of changes in cataloguing practices to enhance cataloguing consistency and quality
- 3.2 Consult with relevant colleagues regarding issues with cataloguing system operations or procedures and take appropriate action to address problems
- 3.3 Create and maintain records of materials and holdings according to relevant national and organisational procedures
- 3.4 Comply with legislation relevant to cataloguing practices
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.
Material may include:
assistive technology devices
audiovisual items, such as:
CDs
DVDs
books
computer files and software
daisy
digital files
e-books
e-journals
games, including computer games
journals
kits
maps
material in English
material in languages other than English
microfiche or microfilms
multimedia formats
music
online resources
print or electronic formats
toys
unpublished material, such as manuscripts.
Subject headings relate to:
authorities
cataloguing tools and standards
content of material
knowledge of structure of chosen thesaurus/subject heading schemes.
Cataloguing tools and standards will be limited to those used by the organisation but may include:
Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR)
classification schemes, such as:
Moys
Sears
Universal Decimal Classification (UDC)
Cutter-Sanborn tables
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system
Libraries Australia Cataloguing Client Manual and guidelines for different formats
Library of Congress Authorities
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
Library of Congress Classification
Library of Congress Rule Interpretations
MARC coding formats
metadata coding manuals
Resource Description and Access (RDA) toolkit
Schools Cataloguing Information Service (SCIS) subject headings.
Maintaining and applying knowledge may refer to:
active participation in cataloguing networks and e-lists
attending relevant workshops, conferences and training sessions
keeping up-to-date with cataloguing newsletters and announcements, such as:
cataloguing-related websites
emails
reading conference proceedings
reading relevant journals and professional literature.
Changes in cataloguing practices may relate to:
cataloguing guidelines
cataloguing practices
phasing in new cataloguing standards, such as RDA
procedures as advised by Libraries Australia or cataloguing system providers
upgrading catalogue records to conform to changes, such as those to:
MARC formats
metadata standards.
Complying with legislation may relate to:
affixing copyright warnings to materials
displaying copyright warnings, such as those near photocopiers
duplicating materials
implementing security measures to protect or warn against illegal copying of CDs and DVDs
intellectual property rights
managing digital rights and moral rights.
Material may include:
assistive technology devices
audiovisual items, such as:
CDs
DVDs
books
computer files and software
daisy
digital files
e-books
e-journals
games, including computer games
journals
kits
maps
material in English
material in languages other than English
microfiche or microfilms
multimedia formats
music
online resources
print or electronic formats
toys
unpublished material, such as manuscripts.
Subject headings relate to:
authorities
cataloguing tools and standards
content of material
knowledge of structure of chosen thesaurus/subject heading schemes.
Cataloguing tools and standards will be limited to those used by the organisation but may include:
Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR)
classification schemes, such as:
Moys
Sears
Universal Decimal Classification (UDC)
Cutter-Sanborn tables
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system
Libraries Australia Cataloguing Client Manual and guidelines for different formats
Library of Congress Authorities
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
Library of Congress Classification
Library of Congress Rule Interpretations
MARC coding formats
metadata coding manuals
Resource Description and Access (RDA) toolkit
Schools Cataloguing Information Service (SCIS) subject headings.
Maintaining and applying knowledge may refer to:
active participation in cataloguing networks and e-lists
attending relevant workshops, conferences and training sessions
keeping up-to-date with cataloguing newsletters and announcements, such as:
cataloguing-related websites
emails
reading conference proceedings
reading relevant journals and professional literature.
Changes in cataloguing practices may relate to:
cataloguing guidelines
cataloguing practices
phasing in new cataloguing standards, such as RDA
procedures as advised by Libraries Australia or cataloguing system providers
upgrading catalogue records to conform to changes, such as those to:
MARC formats
metadata standards.
Complying with legislation may relate to:
affixing copyright warnings to materials
displaying copyright warnings, such as those near photocopiers
duplicating materials
implementing security measures to protect or warn against illegal copying of CDs and DVDs
intellectual property rights
managing digital rights and moral rights.
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:
construct subject access points and classify material to be catalogued accurately
analyse subject content for cataloguing and classification purposes
apply knowledge of bibliographic and catalogue record components, cataloguing standards and conventions
use current industry cataloguing systems.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
that activities are conducted over a period of time to reflect the monitoring and implementation aspects of this unit
access to:
relevant cataloguing standards, policies and procedures documents
current industry cataloguing and classification tools.
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 onthejob performance
review of examples of cataloguing work, including original cataloguing and modification of records
review of procedures for cataloguing practice.
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:
CULINM501A Analyse and describe information resources
CULINM503A Use and monitor advanced functions of integrated library management systems.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
construct subject access points and classify material to be catalogued accurately
analyse subject content for cataloguing and classification purposes
apply knowledge of bibliographic and catalogue record components, cataloguing standards and conventions
use current industry cataloguing systems.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
that activities are conducted over a period of time to reflect the monitoring and implementation aspects of this unit
access to:
relevant cataloguing standards, policies and procedures documents
current industry cataloguing and classification tools.
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 onthejob performance
review of examples of cataloguing work, including original cataloguing and modification of records
review of procedures for cataloguing practice.
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:
CULINM501A Analyse and describe information resources
CULINM503A Use and monitor advanced functions of integrated library management systems.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1787 | CULLB506C | Catalogue and classify material | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWF99 | BSBLIB509 | Provide subject access and classify material | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D697 | CUL50111 | Diploma of Library and Information Services | Qualification |