Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide preventive care of collection material through a sound knowledge of conservation principles, practices and ethics.
It applies to individuals who apply their skills in organisations responsible for the care of cultural material, including archives, museums, libraries, galleries and cultural centres. They monitor environmental conditions, assess the condition of collection material and take action to conserve it.
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. Monitor environmental conditions | 1.1 Monitor environmental conditions according to collection needs and identify agents of deterioration affecting collection material 1.2 Control and adjust environmental conditions within scope of own role 1.3 Report serious or complex problems to relevant colleagues |
2. Assess condition of collection material | 2.1 Examine and assess condition of collection material in the appropriate location, applying knowledge of deterioration patterns 2.2 Review documentation and record current condition of collection items 2.3 Consult experts for advice where necessary |
3. Undertake preventive conservation | 3.1 Implement preventive conservation activities according to organisational policies and procedures and within required timeframes 3.2 Research and apply best practice guidelines, cultural protocols, updated knowledge of preservation issues and techniques, and specialist conservation advice 3.3 Identify the need for assistance and consult with a specialist conservator in relation to more complex issues that arise in collection care |
4. Finalise basic preservation activities | 4.1 Ensure conserved collection material is returned to original location where required 4.2 Communicate conservation activity and any associated learnings with colleagues 4.3 Complete records of preservation and preventive conservation activities in an appropriate format |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
identify changes in the condition of collection material and take appropriate routine preventive action to protect collection material from damage and potential hazards and to conserve material
identify agents of deterioration and assess their impact on collections in a timely manner
apply basic conservation techniques and methods that reflect current industry methods when handling equipment, tools and materials during routine examination and conservation of collection material
demonstrate a collaborative approach to the discussion of issues, new techniques and current approaches to conservation
record and report preservation and preventive conservation activities.
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 roles of personnel responsible for care of cultural material, including the roles of conservators and unqualified personnel
identify sources of expert assistance on collection care
describe the role of preventive conservation in relation to collections
describe the critical factors contributing to deterioration of collections
clarify the distinction between preservation, conservation and restoration
discuss the application of cultural considerations and protocols for the handling, storage and display of collection material
describe methods of protecting collection material from damage and potential hazards.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
relevant policies and procedures
cultural material in an appropriate environment
equipment, tools and materials for preventive conservation and basic preservation activities.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational 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 | 2.2, 3.1, 3.2 | Critically analyses documentation from a variety of sources to determine requirements and appropriate approaches |
Writing | 1.3, 2.2, 4.3 | Completes relevant documentation using clear and technically specific language and terminology that succinctly communicates relevant information |
Oral communication | 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, 4.2 | Effectively participates in verbal exchanges using active listening and questioning to clarify and confirm information |
Navigate the world of work | 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 | Accepts responsibility and ownership for tasks and makes decisions on completion parameters and the need for coordination with others Ensures knowledge of preservation and conservation issues relevant to own role is accurate, comprehensive and current Follows organisational procedures and protocols |
Interact with others | 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, 4.2 | Collaborates and cooperates with others to achieve joint outcomes |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3. 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1 | Determines job sequence and works logically and systematically to undertake clearly defined tasks Makes decisions directly related to job role, seeking assistance when required Uses digital tools to complete work tasks and access information |
Sectors
Cultural services - preventive conservation