Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide customers with access to, and an analysis of, diverse and complex sources of information.
It applies to individuals working in public, corporate or institutional libraries, record management units, government departments, tourist information centres, community advisory organisations or other library and information services contexts, who respond to complex information needs, working autonomously with limited guidance from others.
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 Analyse information needs | 1.1 Determine complete nature of information needs with reference to relevant documentation or information from customers 1.2 Conduct reference interviews with customers to determine specific information needs, including level, type and amount of information required 1.3 Confirm the level of complexity customers need in their information 1.4 Formulate complex search strategies using sound knowledge of a broad range of potential information sources 1.5 Identify and assess customer expectations in relation to available resources and likely constraints 1.6 Advise customers of likely outcomes of information search and possible delivery options 1.7 Review and revise search terms or topics in consultation with customers |
2 Implement strategies to locate difficult to find information | 2.1 Consider access to information sources into account when evaluating different search strategies 2.2 Select and prioritise information sources 2.3 Evaluate and select logical and reasonable strategies to locate difficult to find information 2.4 Consult with colleagues, as required, to identify appropriate information sources 2.5 Use effective search techniques to locate relevant information 2.6 Assist customers to actively participate in search processes through practical demonstration of information-seeking skills |
3 Ensure quality of customer service | 3.1 Assess information obtained for its validity, reliability and suitability in relation to customer requirements and expectations 3.2 Ensure appropriate packaging and presentation of information to meet customer requirements and expectations, ensuring inclusion of relevant support information 3.3 Communicate with customers regarding problems, difficulties, suitable alternatives or follow 3.4 Observe cultural sensitivities, ethics, privacy and copyright issues and obligations in meeting customer requirements |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
analyse information to ensure suitability to meet customer needs
apply knowledge of the organisation’s reference, research and general collections
apply knowledge of types and scope of databases and other accessible reference tools
define, locate, analyse and evaluate information
demonstrate effective interviewing, communication and negotiation with customers about information needs
efficiently and effectively respond to complex and varied information requests
demonstrate effective search techniques using a range of print and electronic information sources and tools
demonstrate working within time constraints that reflect industry practice and standards.
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 scope and range of information sources available in print and electronic formats, including databases and technologies, such as current and emerging web applications
analyse various techniques for searching and retrieving information from a range of sources, including the internet and other electronic sources
compare and contrast strategies for obtaining information from external agencies or specialist organisations
describe a range of available delivery options for presentation of information resources
outline legal considerations relating to accessing information sources
define bibliographic standards
evaluate several reference sources and databases, both print and online
identify and describe protocols associated with culturally sensitive material, including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the Library – Information Services field of work and include access to:
opportunities for interaction with others to reflect the communication and negotiation aspects of this unit
access to:
relevant policies and procedures documents
a range of information sources and information systems
special purpose 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, 1.7, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 | Critically organises, evaluates and applies content from a range of structurally complex texts |
Writing | 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 3.2-3.4 | Prepares documentation and correspondence using clear language and correct spelling and terminology |
Oral Communication | 1.1-1.3, 1.5-1.7, 2.4, 2.6, 3.3 | Effectively participates in verbal exchanges using active listening and questioning to clarify information Clearly explains detailed information using language, tone and pace appropriate to audience |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 | Takes personal responsibility for following explicit and implicit policies, procedures and regulatory requirements |
Interact with others | 1.1-1.3, 1.5-1.7, 2.4, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4 | Adapts personal communication style to build a positive working relationship and show respect for opinions, values and particular needs of others |
Get the work done | 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 2.1-2.3, 2.5, 3.1-3.4 | Sequences and schedules complex activities, monitors implementation and manages relevant communication Systematically gathers and analyses all relevant information and evaluates options to make decisions about the most efficient and effective way of responding to a range of complex information requests from customers Approaches decision-making in diverse ways involving others when appropriate but making unilateral decisions when required Fully utilises features of digital tools to complete complex tasks Uses digital tools safely, legally and ethically when gathering, storing, accessing or sharing information |
Sectors
Library – Information Services