CULINS301A
Process and maintain information resources

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to process and maintain information resources in different formats.

Application

This unit applies to individuals working in a library and information services context who are responsible for processing and maintaining information resources in formats that include print, audiovisual and multimedia.

Work would generally be undertaken under supervision, within established procedures.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Undertake information processing tasks

1.1 Label and protect information resources appropriately and apply security measures

1.2 Check outsourced shelf-ready items for processing according to organisational procedures

1.3 Make suggestions for processing and storage, taking into account the expected life, use of, and demand for resources

1.4 Record and process details of information resources according to organisational procedures and processing systems

1.5 Promptly identify problems with processing systems and procedures and report to relevant personnel

2. Arrange resources to facilitate access

2.1 Check and organise information resources promptly for appropriate arrangement or classification

2.2 Shelve printed resources according to the required classification order and organisational requirements

2.3 Arrange nonprinted resources according to the required classification systems

2.4 Follow safety procedures, including safe manual-handling techniques when handling resources

3. Monitor resources

3.1 Regularly check resources for correct arrangement and promptly report missing or damaged resources

3.2 Undertake basic maintenance and minor repairs of damaged resources and refer unresolved repairs to supervisor

3.3 Move and transfer resources using procedures as required

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to make suggestions for improvement in work practices

literacy skills to:

use classification systems

read workplace documentation

numeracy skills to count and check information resources

planning and organising skills to undertake a range of administrative, organisational and maintenance tasks in a logical and timely manner

self-management skills to:

follow workplace procedures

prioritise work tasks and meet deadlines

teamwork skills to work collaboratively with others on the job

technology skills to use current industry systems in relation to processing and maintaining information resources.

Required knowledge

standard methods of organising and arranging materials, equipment and information, including:

arrangements designed to facilitate access to materials and information

common classification systems and formats

basic information technology security procedures

organisational policies and procedures regarding processing, repair, maintenance, and disposal or replacement of damaged items

range of protective and security devices for materials in different formats

work health and safety requirements

safe manual-handling techniques

types of damage and deterioration for print and electronic information and different protection and storage options.

Evidence Required

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:

process and maintain information resources according to established procedures

apply broad knowledge of classification systems and techniques for processing and maintaining information resources

process and maintain print, audiovisual and multimedia information resources.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

use of industry-current equipment and classification systems

access to:

information resources to be processed and maintained

relevant policy and procedures documents.

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 onthejob performance

direct observation of the candidate undertaking processing activities

review of resources processed and repaired by the candidate

verbal or written questioning to assess knowledge of classification systems and procedures.

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:

CULINM301A Use established cataloguing tools.


Range Statement

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.

Information resources may be:

audiovisual or multimedia formats, such as:

CDs

computer games

DVDs

kits

digital, such as:

e-books

e-journals

online

print-based, such as:

books

journals

magazines

maps

posters

serials.

Security measures may include:

automated security systems

magnetic devices, such as those used with CD and DVD covers

magnetic security strips, such as tattle tapes

manual or informal security systems, such as the use of dummy cases for CDs and DVDs.

Processing and storage may include:

affixing call number and other identifying labels

affixing date due slips

checking shelf-ready resources on receipt from external centres

completing partially outsourced tasks

packaging kits and audiovisual formats in customised containers

physical processing of information resources (also known as pre-processing or end-processing)

recording information, such as call number, author and title on handwritten or computer-generated labels and affixing to items

reinforcing spine with contact, or covering with contact

stamping with accession number or order number

stamping with library property stamp

storage in customised packaging, shelving or hanging racks

use of protective book jackets or laminated sheets.

Classification systems may include:

common arrangements, such as by:

class

format

genre

size

specialist classifications or arrangements

standard book numbering schemes, such as:

author and title marks

CutterSanborn

standard classification schemes, such as:

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

Library of Congress.

Damaged resources may relate to:

desensitisation of security devices

fading due to light exposure

missing pages, items or part of a kit

pest infestation damage

smoke

vandalism

water ingress

wear and tear.

Basic maintenance and minor repairs may relate to:

applying protective coverings, such as:

contact

plastic or laminated book and magazine jackets

cleaning CDs and DVDs

mending packaging of kits

repairing or replacing pages

replacing broken CD or DVD cases

replacing security devices

strengthening spines.


Sectors

Knowledge management - Information services


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.