Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 8:18 AM 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.

Catalogue and classify material

Catalogue and classify material

Unit of competency
National Code
CULLB506C
State Code
D1787
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
05/04/2004
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/09/2008
Field of Education
091301 - Librarianship And Information Management
Original Release Date
19/09/2008
Nominal Hours
120
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to analyse, catalogue and classify material to facilitate customer access. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Analyse content and format of material
  • 1.1 Undertake appropriate checking of material in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 1.2 Analyse subject content of material to reflect knowledge of general concepts and principles of bibliographic control, relevant standards and customer needs
  • 1.3 Ensure analysis is suited to the needs of the organisation and its customer group/s
  • 1.4 Determine priority of material to be catalogued/classified, identify urgent cataloguing/classification and take appropriate action promptly
2 Catalogue material
  • 2.1 Create accurate records according to the standards, precedents and techniques adopted by the organisation and in accordance with industry standards
  • 2.2 Select, evaluate and adapt precedents to meet specified needs
  • 2.3 Ensure cataloguing reflects knowledge of, and meets, specified customer needs
  • 2.4 Ensure choice of subject headings reflects content of material, knowledge of structure of chosen thesaurus, authorities, appropriate cataloguing tools and standards
  • 2.5 Construct headings for more access points using standards and authorities lists
  • 2.6 Format description in a standard way to enable easy identification of elements within the record
  • 2.7 Take a systematic approach to material for which there are no precedents, or other complex material, and approach is reasonable given the nature of the material, and/or refer appropriately
  • 2.8 Ensure cataloguing reflects awareness of changes in relevant cataloguing systems, tools and standards
3 Classify material
  • 3.1 Use classification systems to reflect knowledge of their principles of organisation
  • 3.2 Ensure choice of classification number reflects understanding of subject content and correct application of classification system
  • 3.3 Use standard shelf-listing techniques correctly
  • 3.4 Ensure classification enables customers and staff to locate material readily
4 Contribute to maintenance and development of cataloguing practices
  • 4.1 Monitor work of self and others, and take appropriate action to enhance cataloguing consistency and quality
  • 4.2 Monitor cataloguing system operation and take appropriate action to address problems
  • 4.3 Create and/or maintain accurate records of materials/holdings in accordance with relevant national and organisational procedures
  • 4.4 Ensure cataloguing systems reflect awareness of changes affecting relevant national and local networks and systems
  • 4.5 Make constructive contributions to computer system selection, design, evaluation and implementation, in relation to cataloguing
checking of other information provider catalogues via the internet for existing record or close copy

books, journals
audio-visual items, CD-ROMs
music
maps
toys
games
material in English or languages other than English
unpublished material, e.g. manuscripts
computer files and software
electronic documents and journals
network resources or microfilms

will include original cataloguing
may include copy-based cataloguing where an existing record exists but requires original subject cataloguing or considerable modification

establishment of authority files for new headings that are devised
adding and deleting data in authority files
checking name and subject authorities added to database for errors and cross-referencing

Library of Congress rule interpretations
Kinetica data entry manuals for different formats
USMARC/Metadata coding manuals
Library of Congress Name Authorities
Serials in Australian Libraries on CD-ROM
various gazetteers and other reference sources for name verification

AACR2, LCSH
Dewey
LC
SEARS
SCIS Subject Headings
UDC
MOYES
Cutter Sanborn

In
alphabetically
numerically
alphanumerically
taxonomically
chronologically
according to traditional rules or conventions

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency

Evidence of the following is essential:

demonstrated accuracy and organisational abilities
demonstrated skill in subject analysis
sound knowledge of bibliographic and catalogue record components
sound knowledge and understanding of cataloguing conventions
practical demonstration of skills using current industry cataloguing systems.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

assessment conducted over a period of time to reflect the monitoring and implementation aspects of this unit
access to strategic plans and relevant policies and procedures manuals
access to 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 on-the-job performance by the candidate
review of examples of cataloguing work, including original cataloguing, modification of records
review of examples of authority file creation and maintenance.

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

CULLB505C Analyse and describe information materials.

Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C1475 CULLB206A Assist with circulation services Unit of competency
C7141 CULLB506B Catalogue and classify material Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
D9423 CULINM502A Provide subject access and classify material Unit of competency