Elements and Performance Criteria

This unit of competency should be demonstrated in accordance with the organisation's:
goals, values, objectives, plans, systems and processes
ethical standards
client service standards
access and equity principles and practices
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

Legislation, codes and national standards relevant to the workplace may include:
government and/or organisational purchase agreements
legal deposit legislation
Archives Act
Copyright Act

Information service providers include a range of organisations or agencies that provide information, eg:
libraries
museums, galleries and archives
record management units
government departments, agencies or shopfronts
business and financial information units
information units within a parent organisation
community advisory organisations or bureaus

Resources may include:
people
finance
information
equipment
power/energy
time
buildings/facilities
technology

Materials may cover a wide range of items and information resources obtained by the organisation by purchase or donation, including:
print
non-print, eg CD-ROMs, toys, videos, cassettes
equipment, eg audio-visual hardware and items
information in electronic format

Checking of materials may include checking for:
supply of correct materials, type and quantity
pagination
binding
missing sections
damaged goods

Databases may be the information provider's databases, local, state, national or international, eg ABN, OCLC, suppliers' databases.

Suppliers may include:
local suppliers, such as retail outlets, agents
suppliers interstate
international suppliers
Invoices may be print and/or electronic.

Critical aspects of evidence

Evidence to demonstrate consistent achievement of this unit's outcomes includes:

demonstrated accuracy and organisational abilities
sound knowledge of bibliographic and catalogue record components

Underpinning knowledge and skills
Skills and knowledge are required in:
communication and promotion
working constructively with others to achieve planned outcomes
communicating effectively and appropriately on email, using attachments
information literacy
locating full bibliographic records
adding local data to national records
using bibliographic checking and verification methods
acquiring and using information appropriate to work responsibilities
evaluating the quality and relevance of information that can be accessed through the Internet
planning and organisation
following policies and procedures for receiving material
applying acquisitions processes
checking materials against invoice
making and following up claims
processing material
keeping records
demonstrating attention to detail
meeting deadlines and setting priorities
information technology
using bibliographic databases
selecting and using available technology appropriate to the task
operating computer hardware to manage files and disks, print documents and use a keyboard and mouse
operating computer software to launch applications, retrieve and save files, use the basic functions of applications, back up data, establish and follow procedures, and add simple data and records to information systems
the potential damage caused by viruses and procedures to prevent them
following basic information technology security procedures
working within a network and understanding its related library functions, and the information that can be obtained from networks
the work environment
broad knowledge and understanding of the role, functions and services of the organisation
financial procedures and committals
legal and ethical responsibilities
Copyright Act and amendments

Resource implications

Competency in this unit should be assessed using all the relevant resources commonly provided by an information service provider. Specific assessment tools may include:

relevant policies and procedures manuals
other organisational documentation, eg organisational charts, floor plans, instructions for clients

Method and context of assessment

Evidence of competence may be obtained through a variety of methods including:

observation
oral questioning
examination of assessee's portfolio/CV
authenticated examples of relevant assessments and/or assignments from formal education courses
supporting statement from section manager or equivalent
position descriptions
discussion of work undertaken in processing and accessioning
awareness of best practices in a technical services area
Competency in this unit needs to be assessed over a period of time, in a range of contexts and on multiple occasions involving a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary forms of evidence.
Assessment should occur either off the job, on the job or in a combination of on and off the job.

Communicating ideas and information
(2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(2)