Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

CULINS403A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Search library and information databases

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CULINS403A - Search library and information databases
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to search and retrieve information from a range of bibliographic and full text databases. The unit focuses on the range of databases available to information services providers and the skills necessary to formulate effective search strategies to meet customer information needs.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to individuals who undertake regular database searches as part of their information services role.Work is undertaken with limited supervision and according to organisational and system guidelines.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Identify and access databases
  • Assess range of databases available to information services providers
  • Differentiate between databases and internet websites as sources of information
  • Select appropriate databases to meet specific information needs
  • Use required procedures to access databases
  • Comply with copyright and licensing conditions relevant to the use of databases
       
Element: Construct searches
  • Conduct database searches using a range of search techniques suited to information needs
  • Use and manipulate features of databases to construct effective searches and access required information
  • Consult online manuals and database search tips to refine or revise search strategies
       
Element: Present information
  • Evaluate search results to identify information that meets needs
  • Conduct further searches as required and download as required
  • Present or organise information in formats appropriate to customer needs
  • Prepare reference lists as required according to standard referencing styles
       


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:

search a range of databases

use search techniques to source information in response to a range of customer needs

use current industry systems and equipment

respond to multiple and varied information requests.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

technology and databases to support information searching.

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 observation or verified evidence of the candidate using databases to retrieve information

evaluation of appropriateness of information sourced in response to different needs

verbal or written questioning to assess knowledge of databases and different searching techniques

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of onthejob performance.

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:

CULINS401A Assist customers to access information.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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 and teamwork skills to:

consult with colleagues

present search results to customers

information literacy skills to define, locate, evaluate and present information

literacy skills to:

interpret a wide range of information and ideas

prepare reference lists as required

problemsolving skills to develop alternative search processes or methods when information cannot be found

self-management skills to:

prioritise work tasks and meet deadlines

seek expert advice as required

technology skills to use a range of industry-current databases and datasets.

Required knowledge

role of databases in the context of the information services industry

scope and type of databases available to information services providers

features of commonly used databases, including:

bibliographic information

downloadable records

inprint status

current prices

difference between database and internet searching

database searching techniques and procedures

copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation relevant to the use of information from databases.

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.

Databases may include:

bibliographic databases, such as:

library catalogues

Library of Congress catalogue

databases accessed via library websites, such as:

Australian National Data Service (ANDS)

Libraries Australia

National Library of Australia

public libraries

state libraries

Trove

datasets accessed through paid subscriptions to aggregators and vendors

full text databases available through Electronic Resources Australia (ERA)

literature databases

publisher and vendor databases containing bibliographic records.

Information services providers may include:

archives

co-located local government services, such as:

councils

galleries

libraries

museums

tourist information centres

community advisory organisations or bureaus

galleries

government departments, agencies or shopfronts

information units, including:

business and financial information units

information units within a parent organisation

libraries, such as:

business

law

medical

public and private

school

TAFE

university

museums

records management units.

Proceduresmay relate to:

access restricted to authorised persons, such as:

members of library

students and staff of school or university

free access to databases provided through various state and national libraries

logging on via secure password or authentication of internet protocol (IP) address.

Copyright and licensing conditionsmay relate to:

constraints on usage by specific groups

downloading and printing of entire works

number of concurrent users at any one time

terms and conditions of licensing agreements.

Search techniques may include:

compiling lists of keywords and related phrases

conducting single searches, that is, repeating same search one database at a time

consulting indexes or thesauruses to determine standardised subject headings or search terms, such as:

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)

medical subject headings (MESH)

following online search tips

ISBN or ISSN searches

limiting by date, language or format

reviewing and revising search items

searching across a range of databases using federated search engines

seeking assistance from colleagues or external organisations

using Boolean operators

using different access points, such as:

author

combined searches

keyword

subject

title

using subject terms and descriptors

using truncation symbols and wildcards.

Features of databases may include:

ability to interface with referencing applications, such as endnote

ability to print or email articles

abstracts

availability of bibliographic or full text information or a combination of both

availability of online help and search tips

basic and advanced search features

citations only

downloading of bibliographic and other records

federated search engines

full text

pay per view databases

range of subjects covered by individual databases or datasets

scholarly or academic content

single search engines.

Search resultsmay include:

bibliographic citations

full text articles

lists of relevant information resources

results lists as displayed on screen.

Formats may include:

annotated bibliographies

delivered as email attachments

diagrammatic

electronic copies

printbased

provide explanation of search strategy

reference lists or bibliographies created manually or using endnotes.

Standard referencing styles may include:

American Psychological Association (APA)

Australian Government Publishing Service (AGPS)

Chicago Manual of Style

Harvard referencing style

Modern Language Association (MLA)

Vancouver.

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
Assess range of databases available to information services providers 
Differentiate between databases and internet websites as sources of information 
Select appropriate databases to meet specific information needs 
Use required procedures to access databases 
Comply with copyright and licensing conditions relevant to the use of databases 
Conduct database searches using a range of search techniques suited to information needs 
Use and manipulate features of databases to construct effective searches and access required information 
Consult online manuals and database search tips to refine or revise search strategies 
Evaluate search results to identify information that meets needs 
Conduct further searches as required and download as required 
Present or organise information in formats appropriate to customer needs 
Prepare reference lists as required according to standard referencing styles 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CULINS403A - Search library and information databases
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

CULINS403A - Search library and information databases

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: