Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with the selection, acquisition and evaluation of collections and resource materials, and the development of policies and procedures that guide this work.
It applies to individuals involved in managing collections in a library or information services context to meet stakeholder needs, working autonomously but in consultation with other colleagues and wider stakeholders.
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 Review use of collections | 1.1 Evaluate usage data as basis for collection policies, to reflect and predict client demands and changing needs 1.2 Source information on current and emerging trends and formats relevant to customer needs in relation to collections |
2 Apply information about collection strategies and policies | 2.1 Interpret and apply elements of collection management policies in libraries and information services organisations 2.2 Research contemporary practice and policy issues affecting collection management 2.3 Investigate emerging trends and technologies, including trends in publishing and their potential for providing access to resources 2.4 Source information about supply options for library resources 2.5 Contribute to development of collection strategies and policies that meet organisational objectives and customer needs |
3 Assist with selection, acquisition and disposal of materials | 3.1 Develop proposals for selecting, acquiring and disposing of material 3.2 Assist in assessment of proposals according to organisational collection management policy 3.3 Establish and maintain processes to review collections in line with collection strategies and policies 3.4 Make recommendations on allocation of funds for acquisition of information resources 3.5 Use selection tools to develop details for acquisition of information resources 3.6 Follow organisational procedures for acquisition of information resources 3.7 Participate in weeding and disposal of materials according to established policies and practices 3.8 Participate in review of acquisition procedures and make recommendations for improvements |
4 Monitor contractor performance | 4.1 Monitor performance of contractors engaged to provide outsourced services 4.2 Integrate performance of contractors in selection and acquisition process 4.3 Refer issues to relevant personnel |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
analyse usage data
apply knowledge of collection strategies and policies that address requirements and constraints in specific workplace contexts
make acquisition and disposal recommendations based on detailed analysis
develop recommendations that address selection criteria for a variety of collections and formats
demonstrate the ability to monitor the performance of contractors.
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:
analyse current and emerging trends in relation to libraries and publishing
review selection, acquisition and de-selection processes and procedures
identify and analyse issues that impact collection management, such as:
Copyright Act
statements on free access to information
UNESCO's Public Library Manifesto
Archives Act
review collection management policies and processes for selecting, weeding and stocktaking
discuss, in-depth, information services trends and practices.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the Library – Collection Management field of work and include access to:
a collection, for which management strategies and policies may be managed
relevant policies and procedures manuals and collection usage data
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, 1.2, 2.1-2.4, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5-3.8, 4.1, 4.2 | Synthesises and evaluates information from a broad range of complex texts and applies this knowledge to improve work practices and collections |
Writing | 1.1, 1.2, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1-3.5, 3.8, 4.3 | Summarises complex information and conveys sophisticated and original ideas appropriately for context and audience |
Oral Communication | 2.5, 3.2, 3.4, 3.8, 4.1, 4.3 | Consults and negotiates with customers, colleagues and contractors using detailed and clear language to contribute information and articulate ideas, and elicits views and opinions of others through active listening and questioning techniques |
Numeracy | 1.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.4, 4.1 | Collect and review statistical data related to collection usage and effective allocation of financial resources |
Navigate the world of work | 1.2, 2.1-2.3, 2.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.6-3.8 | Ensures knowledge of collection management issues and trends relevant to role is accurate, comprehensive and current Works independently and collectively in making decisions to achieve organisational outcomes Seeks to improve policies and procedures to better meet organisational goals |
Interact with others | 2.5, 3.2, 3.4, 3.8, 4.1, 4.3 | Identifies and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating with colleagues and external stakeholders Provides feedback to others to improve workgroup performance Provides support in field of expertise to management team |
Get the work done | 1.1, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1-3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 4.2, 4.3 | Accepts responsibility for planning, sequencing and monitoring complex tasks and workload, negotiating key aspects with others taking into account capabilities, efficiencies and effectiveness Evaluates effectiveness of systems and processes to inform decisions on how to implement improvements Systematically gathers and analyses all relevant information and evaluates options to make informed decisions Uses problem-solving techniques to identify and analyse issues Uses analytical and lateral thinking to review practices and suggest improvements Uses a range of digitally based technology and applications to access and filter data, and then extract, organise, integrate and share relevant information in effective ways |
Sectors
Library – Collection Management