BSBLIB509
Provide subject access and classify material


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse and catalogue complex material which requires application of bibliographic organisation methods and the ability to use interpretation and judgement to deviate from precedents where necessary.

It applies to information services professionals with highly developed technical skills who work autonomously to facilitate customer access to information.

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 Catalogue material

1.1 Analyse subject content of material using knowledge of general concepts and principles of bibliographic control, relevant standards and customer needs

1.2 Create records following organisational standards, precedents and techniques, and according to industry standards

1.3 Evaluate and adapt precedents to meet specified needs

1.4 Select appropriate subject headings and cataloguing tools and standards

1.5 Construct sufficient headings to enhance access to information using standards and authorities lists

1.6 Format description

1.7 Consult with colleagues to determine systematic and reasonable approaches to cataloguing complex material where no precedents exist

2 Classify material

2.1 Use chosen classification systems to reflect knowledge of principles of organisation

2.2 Select a classification number consistent with classification system that reflects understanding of subject content and provides ready access for customers and staff

2.3 Check shelf list or online catalogue for previously assigned classification numbers for similar items

3 Contribute to maintenance and development of cataloguing practices

3.1 Maintain and apply knowledge of changes in cataloguing practices to enhance cataloguing consistency and quality

3.2 Consult with colleagues regarding issues with cataloguing system operations or procedures and take appropriate action to address problems

3.3 Create and maintain records of materials and holdings according to relevant national and organisational procedures

3.4 Comply with legislation relevant to cataloguing practices

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

construct subject access points and accurately classify material to be catalogued

analyse subject content for cataloguing and classification purposes

maintain and apply knowledge of bibliographic and catalogue record components, and cataloguing standards and conventions

demonstrate a collaborative approach to resolving complex problems

demonstrate use of current industry cataloguing systems.

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:

describe the purpose and function of various cataloguing tools

select and apply appropriate classification schemes relevant to work context

demonstrate subject access and control of methods, including:

authority control procedures

subject headings lists

thesauruses

demonstrate application of authority systems and files

select and apply common automated cataloguing modules relevant to work context

critically review catalogue maintenance principles and activities

compare and contrast ways of modifying and upgrading records to suit customer needs, including:

additional access points

establishing new authorities

analyse precedents and their use to inform cataloguing of complex materials and demonstrate interpretation and judgement to deviate from precedents where necessary

identify and apply national and international cataloguing standards

review current industry trends relating to cataloguing and classification processes

discuss copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation relevant to cataloguing practices.


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:

relevant cataloguing standards, policies and procedures documents

current industry cataloguing and classification tools, equipment, materials and industry software packages.

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, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1-3.4

Organises, analyses, evaluates and applies content from a range of structurally complex texts

Writing

1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 3.2, 3.3

Utilises sophisticated writing skills to summarise information from multiple sources and express precise meaning appropriate to audience and context

Oral Communication

1.7, 3.2

Employs active listening skills to ensure understanding and expresses ideas and concepts in a manner and form appropriate to the audience

Numeracy

1.2, 1.4, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.3

Identifies and comprehends relevant mathematical information in familiar activities or texts

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1-3.4

Works independently and collectively in making decisions to achieve organisational outcomes

Maintains knowledge of cataloguing practices relevant to own role

Takes full responsibility for following policies, procedures and legislative requirements

Seeks to improve policies and procedures to better meet organisational goals

Interact with others

1.7, 3.2

Collaborates and cooperates with others to achieve joint outcomes

Get the work done

1.1, 1.3-1.5, 1.7, 2.2, 3.2

Plans, organises and implements work activities in line with organisational policies and procedures, and legislative requirements

Systematically gathers and analyses all relevant information and evaluates options to make informed decisions

Applies analytical processes to resolve technical or conceptual problems

Contributes to continuous improvement of current work practices by applying basic principles of analytical and lateral thinking

Identifies precedents and considers how they can be used or adapted to improve customer access to information resources

Uses main features and functions of digital tools to complete work tasks and access information


Sectors

Library – Information Management