Assessor Resource

CULCNM401A
Assess the significance of collection objects

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit applies to individuals who assess the significance of objects in collections or being considered for inclusion in collections.

In larger organisations, specialised curatorial staff may undertake this role. In smaller organisations, the role may be undertaken by individuals with broader management responsibilities, by committees and boards of management, or combinations of different personnel.

Work is undertaken autonomously, according to established procedures but in consultation with stakeholders.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete significance assessments of collection objects. Value, meaning and history attached to objects are some of the criteria applied to determine significance.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

research the history, provenance and comparative examples of objects

assess the significance of a range of objects using the appropriate methodology.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

information sources

objects to assess

organisational policies and procedures related to significance assessments.

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

evaluation of statements of significance about objects

verbal or written questioning to assess knowledge of significance assessment methodologies

responses to case studies.

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:

CULPRE401A Implement preventive conservation activities.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with relevant personnel regarding the provenance of objects

discuss significance issues with colleagues

initiative and enterprise skills to identify comparative examples

learning skills to seek assistance from technical specialists

literacy skills to:

prepare statements of significance

read and interpret information

take notes

planning and organising skills to:

establish timelines for significance assessments

sort information and sources

problem-solving skills to:

identify information useful in determining the significance of objects

verify information sources

research skills to:

research comprehensively for history and provenance information

access sources of information about objects and comparative examples

self-management skills to:

follow workplace procedures

prioritise work tasks and meet deadlines

teamwork skills to:

seek feedback on own work performance from colleagues

work collaboratively with others.

Required knowledge

collection management policies

collection strengths

organisational policies regarding managing collections and assessing objects

sources of information for comparative examples

sources of information that relate to:

national, state and local government public records

online collections databases

organisational policies and procedures

primary and comparative criteria

procedures for accessing reputable technical specialists

methodology for significance assessment of objects.

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.

Significance relates to:

value of items to past, present and future generations, such as:

aesthetic

historical

scientific

social.

Sources of information may include:

Australian War Memorial

database of Collections Australia Network (CAN) collections

Heritage Collections Council, Commonwealth of Australia

historical societies

Museums Australia

National Archives of Australia

national, state and local government public records

online collections database of National Museum of Australia

online databases

organisational policies and procedures

Picture Australia

Powerhouse Museum.

Purpose may relate to:

arranging insurance

collection management policy

deaccessioning objects from collections

guiding collection strategies

guiding and supporting acquisition decisions

guiding conservation policies and treatment

supporting funding applications

taking stock of collections.

Available details may relate to:

acquisition date

catalogue forms

condition reports

copies of receipts of purchase

copies of reference material

donor details and correspondence

images

notes made when objects were acquired

notes on related objects in collections

published references.

History and provenance may include:

date of manufacture

date of purchase

general history

notes about owners or places where objects were used

photos of objects in use.

Relevant personnel may include:

associations or trades

donors

ethnic communities

owners

special interest community associations

technical specialists

users.

Context may relate to:

how objects relate to the history and geography of the area

relationship to other objects

localities where objects were used.

Fabric may relate to:

condition

how object works

details of its manufacture

patterns of wear

repairs and adaptation

what object is made of.

Primary criteria may relate to:

aesthetic considerations, such as:

balance

colour

design or technical excellence

form

harmony and beauty

originality or innovation in design or execution

skill in quality of workmanship or execution

historical considerations, such as association with:

event or activity

person

place

process

theme

scientific or research significance, such as:

collection history

documented context

social or spiritual significance, such as:

association with communities

public display.

Comparative criteria may relate to:

condition, intactness or integrity, such as:

alterations

disturbed or altered components or composition

evidence of use

missing components

original or copy

repairs

still working

unrestored

unusually good condition for its type

contribution to collections and museums

interpretive potential of objects

provenance, including:

place of origin

where and how objects were used

who owned, used or made objects

rarity, including:

distinguishing qualities

uniqueness

unusualness

representativeness, including:

good example of its type

typical or characteristic of material, style or design.

Statements of significance may provide:

brief, considered assessment of the values, meaning and importance of objects

benchmarks for future use

collection of knowledge and ideas about objects

communication of values for interpretive programs

images of collections being assessed and other comparative collections

record of the crucial provenance details and association of objects

summary of the meaning and importance of objects

summary of the process of investigation and assessment.

Records may include:

catalogues

objects

online records.

Reassess may relate to:

changes in organisational strategy

changes in collection policy

new information.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Research the need for significance assessment, using sources of information 
Determine purpose for undertaking significance assessment 
Identify organisational policies that relate to significance assessment of objects 
Compile object files containing available details about objects and their history 
Research the history and provenance of objects and explore their wider historical and environmental context 
Consult with relevant personnel to inform the context, provenance and social values of objects 
Analyse and record the fabric, design, manufacture and condition of objects 
Identify comparative examples and evaluate them using primary and comparative criteria 
Write statements of significance that describe the value and meaning of objects 
Seek feedback from colleagues on statements of significance 
Enter significance assessments into organisational records 
Reassess significance of objects 
Update statements of significance to reflect reassessment 
Amend organisational records 
Prepare recommendations for further action as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CULCNM401A - Assess the significance of collection objects
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Assessment Record Sheet

CULCNM401A - Assess the significance of collection objects

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