This unit applies to individuals who undertake regular database searches as part of their information services role. The unit focuses on knowledge of the different types of databases available to the information services provider and the skills to use different searching strategies to meet customer information needs. Work is completed under general supervision. |
Nil |
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA | ||
1 | Identify and access databases | 1.1 | Assess the range of databases available to the information services provider |
1.2 | Select appropriate database/s to meet specific information needs | ||
1.3 | Use correct procedures to access database/s | ||
2 | Search databases | 2.1 | Interrogate databases using a range of appropriate search techniques suited to the information need |
2.2 | Use and manipulate features of databases to access required information | ||
3 | Check and download information | 3.1 | Ensure that information accessed meets the required scope and purpose |
3.2 | Conduct further searches when required | ||
3.3 | Download and/or print information in accordance with system procedures | ||
3.4 | Present and/or organise information in formats appropriate to customer needs | ||
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Required skills |
problem-solving skills to develop alternative search processes or methods when information cannot be found technology skills to use current industry database systems literacy skills to interpret a wide range of information and ideas numeracy skills to work with the numeric features of databases. |
Required knowledge |
role of databases in the context of the information services industry scope and type of databases available to the information services provider features of commonly used databases, including bibliographic information, downloadable records, in-print status and current prices database searching techniques and procedures copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation that impact on 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. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the following is essential: knowledge of the type of scope of databases available to the information services provider correct use of searching techniques to source information in response to various needs practical demonstration of skills using current industry systems and equipment demonstration of skills in response to multiple and varied information needs/requests. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: access to technology/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 questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate direct observation of the candidate using systems to retrieve information evaluation of appropriateness of information sourced in response to different needs oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of databases and different searching techniques. |
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: CULLB401C Assist customers to access information CULLB203C Develop and use information literacy skills other information technology units. | |
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. | |
The range of databases available is potentially vast but may include: | Kinetica Global Books in Print Bookfinder Integrated Library Management Systems, e.g. Millennium |
Information services providers may include: | libraries (public, private, corporate, school, university etc.) museums, galleries and archives record management units government departments, agencies or shopfronts business and financial information units information units within a parent organisation community advisory organisations or bureaus |
Search techniques may include: | Boolean operators truncation use of different access points key words limiting by date or format ISBN or ISSN |
Features of databases may include: | bibliographic information downloading of bibliographic and other records in-print status current prices |
Formats for presentation of information may be: | electronic print-based verbal diagrammatic |
Not applicable.
Information Organisation and Management |
The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary for the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying Employability Skills requirements. |
Not applicable.