Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design systems and structures related to copy and original descriptive cataloguing; to search, retrieve and edit material from existing records and to undertake general catalogue maintenance. This requires application of a sound knowledge of cataloguing standards and systems.
It applies to individuals in information services organisations, working according to established procedures and guidelines, with minimal supervision, and with responsibility for maintaining catalogues, as well as for copy and original descriptive cataloguing.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 Construct bibliographic descriptions | 1.1 Apply relevant national and international standards and accepted variations when cataloguing material 1.2 Create original catalogue records for a variety of formats and check authority files following relevant standards 1.3 Ensure created records include sufficient and relevant access points for ease of retrieval by catalogue users 1.4 Construct descriptions to suit customer needs according to automated system and organisational procedures 1.5 Create item of records and statement of holdings |
2 Locate, retrieve and transfer bibliographic information and records | 2.1 Search own cataloguing database to determine availability of existing bibliographic records for same or similar items 2.2 Search external catalogues or databases to create copy catalogue records from suitable bibliographic records 2.3 Download and upload bibliographic records to local system in line with organisational techniques and procedures |
3 Edit bibliographic records | 3.1 Check downloaded bibliographic records for accuracy and compliance with local cataloguing procedures 3.2 Edit downloaded records as necessary according to system and organisational procedures 3.3 Add item to records and holdings statements |
4 Provide cataloguing support | 4.1 Undertake appropriate catalogue maintenance to preserve integrity of local database 4.2 Apply national systems and standards to facilitate database searching and future cataloguing 4.3 Use data from shelf lists and relevant statistics captured by automated systems to inform cataloguing decisions 4.4 Advise relevant personnel on the need for new authority records as necessary and according to organisational guidelines 4.5 Consult with relevant personnel regarding cataloguing issues or problems and take appropriate action |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
create, edit and maintain catalogue records accurately, and in the process demonstrate:
sound knowledge of bibliographic and catalogue record components
knowledge of cataloguing standards
use of current industry systems
complete activities within realistic workplace time constraints.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
reference cataloguing standards and systems used in Australian libraries endorsed by the Australian Committee on Cataloguing (ACOC)
apply commonly used automated cataloguing systems and shared cataloguing networks
analyse frequently occurring cataloguing problems
describe principles of bibliographic description and access
compare and contrast ways of preparing original and copy cataloguing records
describe procedures for maintaining cataloguing records
discuss copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation that impact cataloguing.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the Library – Information Management field of work and include access to:
access to relevant policy and procedures documents
use of current industry cataloguing tools, systems and standards.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1-4.3 | Interprets procedures and documents to inform actions and critically analyses texts to enable completion of tasks |
Writing | 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 3.2, 3.3, 4.4, 4.5 | Translates technical information from source material into a meaningful form and communicates relationships between ideas and information in a style appropriate to audience and purpose |
Oral Communication | 4.4, 4.5 | Conveys information related to work tasks clearly and succinctly and derives relevant information through engagement with colleagues in work-related discussions |
Numeracy | 1.2, 1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1-4.3, 4.5 | Extracts and applies mathematical information embedded in a range of tasks and texts |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2, 4.4 | Takes personal responsibility for following explicit and implicit policies, procedures and cataloguing standards Accepts responsibility and ownership for tasks and makes decisions on completion parameters and the need for coordination with others |
Interact with others | 4.4, 4.5 | Collaborates and cooperates with others to achieve joint outcomes |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.5, 2.1-2.3, 4.1-4.5 | Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks and own workload for efficiency and effective outcomes Makes routine decisions based on implementation of standard procedures Applies analytical processes to resolve technical or conceptual problems Uses a range of digitally based technologies to access, extract and share relevant information to achieve required outcomes |
Sectors
Library – Information Management