This unit applies to individuals working in organisations responsible for the care of material in a collection, both on display and in storage.
Work would generally be undertaken under supervision, within established guidelines.
Not applicable.
1. Observe the condition of collections | 1.1 Check the position, appearance and condition of collections 1.2 Identify changes, anomalies, damage and deterioration 1.3 Take action when required by condition according to organisational policies and procedures 1.4 Refer complex matters to appropriate personnel |
2. Maintain environmental conditions | 2.1 Monitor environmental conditions that affect collections 2.2 Make adjustments to environmental conditions according to organisational policies and procedures 2.3 Refer unresolved matters regarding environmental conditions to appropriate personnel |
3. Report evidence of potential or actual collection change or damage | 3.1 Report changes that present a potential immediate risk to collections to appropriate personnel 3.2 Report evidence of common sources of damage to appropriate personnel 3.3 Observe visitor behaviour that may threaten collections and take action and report within scope of individual responsibility 3.4 Refer hazards and risks to appropriate personnel |
Required skills
communication skills to:
report changes in the condition of the collection
refer hazards and risks to appropriate personnel
initiative and enterprise skills to identify hazards and risks
literacy skills to:
read and understand organisational policies and procedures
complete simple documentation or reports on collection condition
planning and organising skills to undertake regular, thorough and timely checks of collections
problem-solving skills to:
identify aspects of collections that need attention
make adjustments to environmental conditions
self-management skills to follow workplace procedures
technical skills to:
observe changes in condition of collections
observe environmental conditions
operate climate control, lighting, safety and security systems.
Required knowledge
collection monitoring protocols
common types of damage and deterioration
environmental standards for maintaining condition of collection
hazards to collection material, building and personnel
health, safety and security issues to be considered in monitoring collections
how to access appropriate personnel
organisational procedures regarding collection monitoring, work health and safety (WHS) and security
risks to collections associated with environmental changes and security
roles and responsibilities of self and others in relation to caring for collections and environmental conditions.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the ability to: observe and report on the condition of collections follow workplace procedures in relation to monitoring collections for changes in condition identify threats to collections and take remedial action. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: access to: a collection for monitoring relevant policy and procedures manuals availability of appropriate personnel. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance review of documentation prepared by the candidate verbal or written questioning to assess knowledge of common causes of damage or deterioration, safety and reporting procedures completion of a case study. Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular client groups (consider the requirements of different age groups, clients with English as a second language, clients with disabilities, remote library users, etc.). |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes. |
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Condition | deterioration of other collection material display case and display support materials influence of human activities light pests pollution relative humidity security considerations shock and vibration temperature. |
Collections may include: | art artefacts ceremony, such as: dance music cultural heritage exhibits heritage resources history living styles materials with a cultural or spiritual significance other aspects of the natural environment plants and animals public and private science. |
Changes, anomalies, damage and deterioration may include: | chemical breakdown corrosion cracking discolouration distortion electronic breakdown fading graffiti or other markings mechanical breakdown missing items or components moved objects physical damage structural breakdown surface loss or degradation. |
Organisational policies and procedures may relate to: | condition reports disaster management environmental conditions insurance operating standards reporting methods and protocols risk management security WHS. |
Appropriate personnel may include: | building managers conservators curators management committee managers security specialist staff. |
Environmental conditions may relate to: | access cultural issues light pest infection pollution relative humidity temperature water ingress. |
Adjustments | additional security initiatives adjusting lighting through: blinds and curtains dimmers filters timers altering methods of storage and display archival materials, such as: acid-free paper boxes building repair and maintenance climate control: buffering material humidification and dehumidification temperature adjustments housekeeping pest management reorganising collections revising or replacing display storage materials. |
Hazards and risks | building risks chemical and environmental hazards disaster preparedness electrical risks pests security risks staff visitors water ingress. |
Cultural services - Collection management
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.