This unit applies to individuals who undertake regular database searches as part of their information services role.
Work is undertaken with limited supervision and according to organisational and system guidelines.
Not applicable.
1. Identify and access databases | 1.1 Assess range of databases available to information services providers 1.2 Differentiate between databases and internet websites as sources of information 1.3 Select appropriate databases to meet specific information needs 1.4 Use required procedures to access databases 1.5 Comply with copyright and licensing conditions relevant to the use of databases |
2. Construct searches | 2.1 Conduct database searches using a range of search techniques suited to information needs 2.2 Use and manipulate features of databases to construct effective searches and access required information 2.3 Consult online manuals and database search tips to refine or revise search strategies |
3. Present information | 3.1 Evaluate search results to identify information that meets needs 3.2 Conduct further searches as required and download as required 3.3 Present or organise information in formats appropriate to customer needs 3.4 Prepare reference lists as required according to standard referencing styles |
Required skills
communication and teamwork skills to:
consult with colleagues
present search results to customers
information literacy skills to define, locate, evaluate and present information
literacy skills to:
interpret a wide range of information and ideas
prepare reference lists as required
problem
self-management skills to:
prioritise work tasks and meet deadlines
seek expert advice as required
technology skills to use a range of industry-current databases and datasets.
Required knowledge
role of databases in the context of the information services industry
scope and type of databases available to information services providers
features of commonly used databases, including:
bibliographic information
downloadable records
in
current prices
difference between database and internet searching
database searching techniques and procedures
copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation relevant to the use of information from databases.
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: search a range of databases use search techniques to source information in response to a range of customer needs use current industry systems and equipment respond to multiple and varied information requests. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: technology and databases to support information searching. |
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 observation or verified evidence of the candidate using databases to retrieve information evaluation of appropriateness of information sourced in response to different needs verbal or written questioning to assess knowledge of databases and different searching techniques direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on 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: CULINS401A Assist customers to access information. |
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.
Databases may include: | bibliographic databases, such as: library catalogues Library of Congress catalogue databases accessed via library websites, such as: Australian National Data Service (ANDS) Libraries Australia National Library of Australia public libraries state libraries Trove datasets accessed through paid subscriptions to aggregators and vendors full text databases available through Electronic Resources Australia (ERA) literature databases publisher and vendor databases containing bibliographic records. |
Information services providers may include: | archives co-located local government services, such as: councils galleries libraries museums tourist information centres community advisory organisations or bureaus galleries government departments, agencies or shopfronts information units, including: business and financial information units information units within a parent organisation libraries, such as: business law medical public and private school TAFE university museums records management units. |
Procedures | access restricted to authorised persons, such as: members of library students and staff of school or university free access to databases provided through various state and national libraries logging on via secure password or authentication of internet protocol (IP) address. |
Copyright and licensing conditions | constraints on usage by specific groups downloading and printing of entire works number of concurrent users at any one time terms and conditions of licensing agreements. |
Search techniques may include: | compiling lists of keywords and related phrases conducting single searches, that is, repeating same search one database at a time consulting indexes or thesauruses to determine standardised subject headings or search terms, such as: Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) medical subject headings (MESH) following online search tips ISBN or ISSN searches limiting by date, language or format reviewing and revising search items searching across a range of databases using federated search engines seeking assistance from colleagues or external organisations using Boolean operators using different access points, such as: author combined searches keyword subject title using subject terms and descriptors using truncation symbols and wildcards. |
Features of databases may include: | ability to interface with referencing applications, such as endnote ability to print or email articles abstracts availability of bibliographic or full text information or a combination of both availability of online help and search tips basic and advanced search features citations only downloading of bibliographic and other records federated search engines full text pay per view databases range of subjects covered by individual databases or datasets scholarly or academic content single search engines. |
Search results | bibliographic citations full text articles lists of relevant information resources results lists as displayed on screen. |
Formats may include: | annotated bibliographies delivered as email attachments diagrammatic electronic copies print provide explanation of search strategy reference lists or bibliographies created manually or using endnotes. |
Standard referencing styles may include: | American Psychological Association (APA) Australian Government Publishing Service (AGPS) Chicago Manual of Style Harvard referencing style Modern Language Association (MLA) Vancouver. |
Knowledge management - Information services
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.