Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Basic information about the library/information services industry should include:
historical perspective on libraries
scope and nature of library/information services within the community
different operations structures for information services organisations
key contacts and industry networks
relationship of library/information services industry to other industries and cultural policy development
products and services typically provided by library/information services providers
legislation that impacts on the industry

Library/information services within the community may include:
libraries (public, private, corporate, school, university etc.)
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

Other industries with which the library/information services industry has a relationship may include:
community recreation
community development
local government
tourism
hospitality
retail

Employment obligationsand opportunities in the library/information services industry may relate to:
career opportunities
basic rights and responsibilities of the employer and employee
employment conditions
award provisions
enterprise bargaining agreements
job descriptions

Information sources and opportunities to update industry knowledge may include:
industry associations and organisations
industry journals
media
internet
reference manuals
events e.g. conferences, seminars, trade fairs
training programs
community activities
social events
professional associations
unions and employer bodies


Current key issues affectingthe industry may relate to:
government initiatives
funding policies
changing nature of the customer
trends in library/information services practice
impact of new technologies

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:
general knowledge of the library/information services industry and ways to maintain currency of knowledge
understanding of the ways in which industry knowledge can be applied to work activities to enhance work outcomes
application of industry information to specific contexts and work activities.


Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to current sources of industry information.


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
evaluation of candidate's response to different scenarios showing ability to apply knowledge to different industry contexts and situations
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of different aspects of the library/information services industry.



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