Assessor Resource

CUACNM501
Assess the significance of collections

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to complete significance assessments for entire collections, or collections within a larger collection. Significance is determined by applying criteria including value, meaning and history attached to individual objects or collections as a whole.

The unit applies to individuals who work in collecting organisations and apply in-depth knowledge of collections and a range of specialised technical skills to make reasoned judgements and sound decisions when undertaking significance assessments that assist in the process of managing collections. In larger organisations, specialised curatorial staff may undertake this role. In smaller organisations, the role may be undertaken by individuals with broader management responsibilities, by committees and boards of management, or combinations of different personnel. Work is undertaken according to established procedures and in consultation with others.

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

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare to assess the significance of collections

1.1 Identify collections to be assessed

1.2 Determine purpose for undertaking significance assessment

1.3 Identify organisational policies that relate to significance assessment of collection

1.4 In consultation with colleagues, identify factors that may impact on the assessment and take these into account when planning work

2. Apply assessment methodology

2.1 Research the history and wider context of collections using sources of information

2.2 Review the scope and themes of collection and compare to organisational mission, purpose and key themes

2.3 Consult with relevant personnel to determine the social value of collection

2.4 Analyse and describe the condition of collection

3. Develop statements of significance

3.1 Identify and compare collection with similar collections

3.2 Assess significance against primary and comparative criteria

3.3 Write statements of significance that describe the value and meaning of collection

3.4 Seek feedback from colleagues on statement of significance

3.5 Enter significance assessment into organisational records in the required format and within required timeframes

4. Review assessments of collections

4.1 Reassess significance of collection

4.2 Update statement of significance to reflect reassessment

4.3 Amend organisational records

4.4 Prepare recommendations for further action as required

Evidence of the ability to:

identify the purpose of undertaking a significance assessment of collections

identify factors that may impact on the significance assessment and plan work accordingly

research history of collection, wider context, provenance information and comparative examples, identifying and accessing reputable sources of related information

assess the significance of collection using the appropriate methodology and within required timeframes

complete a significance assessment for a collection, developing a statement of significance of its value and meaning that includes:

considered assessment of the value, meaning and importance of collection

benchmark for future use

communication of values for interpretive programs

images, where available, of other comparative collections

record of the crucial provenance details and association of objects within collection

summary of the meaning and importance of collection

summary of the process of investigation and assessment

consult effectively with relevant people about the provenance of objects in collection and the collection’s significance.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

identify and detail organisational strengths, goals, policies and strategies in relation to managing and assessing collections

explain the methodology for significance assessment of collections

explain the difference between primary and comparative criteria in an assessment

describe the process for accessing technical specialists

describe the process for locating, interpreting, interrogating and verifying sources of information to assist in assessing the significance of collections.

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:

tools, equipment and storage system for statements of significance

information sources

objects and items to assess

organisational policies and procedures related to significance assessment

sources of advice.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare to assess the significance of collections

1.1 Identify collections to be assessed

1.2 Determine purpose for undertaking significance assessment

1.3 Identify organisational policies that relate to significance assessment of collection

1.4 In consultation with colleagues, identify factors that may impact on the assessment and take these into account when planning work

2. Apply assessment methodology

2.1 Research the history and wider context of collections using sources of information

2.2 Review the scope and themes of collection and compare to organisational mission, purpose and key themes

2.3 Consult with relevant personnel to determine the social value of collection

2.4 Analyse and describe the condition of collection

3. Develop statements of significance

3.1 Identify and compare collection with similar collections

3.2 Assess significance against primary and comparative criteria

3.3 Write statements of significance that describe the value and meaning of collection

3.4 Seek feedback from colleagues on statement of significance

3.5 Enter significance assessment into organisational records in the required format and within required timeframes

4. Review assessments of collections

4.1 Reassess significance of collection

4.2 Update statement of significance to reflect reassessment

4.3 Amend organisational records

4.4 Prepare recommendations for further action as required

Evidence of the ability to:

identify the purpose of undertaking a significance assessment of collections

identify factors that may impact on the significance assessment and plan work accordingly

research history of collection, wider context, provenance information and comparative examples, identifying and accessing reputable sources of related information

assess the significance of collection using the appropriate methodology and within required timeframes

complete a significance assessment for a collection, developing a statement of significance of its value and meaning that includes:

considered assessment of the value, meaning and importance of collection

benchmark for future use

communication of values for interpretive programs

images, where available, of other comparative collections

record of the crucial provenance details and association of objects within collection

summary of the meaning and importance of collection

summary of the process of investigation and assessment

consult effectively with relevant people about the provenance of objects in collection and the collection’s significance.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

identify and detail organisational strengths, goals, policies and strategies in relation to managing and assessing collections

explain the methodology for significance assessment of collections

explain the difference between primary and comparative criteria in an assessment

describe the process for accessing technical specialists

describe the process for locating, interpreting, interrogating and verifying sources of information to assist in assessing the significance of collections.

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:

tools, equipment and storage system for statements of significance

information sources

objects and items to assess

organisational policies and procedures related to significance assessment

sources of advice.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify collections to be assessed 
Determine purpose for undertaking significance assessment 
Identify organisational policies that relate to significance assessment of collection 
In consultation with colleagues, identify factors that may impact on the assessment and take these into account when planning work 
Research the history and wider context of collections using sources of information 
Review the scope and themes of collection and compare to organisational mission, purpose and key themes 
Consult with relevant personnel to determine the social value of collection 
Analyse and describe the condition of collection 
Identify and compare collection with similar collections 
Assess significance against primary and comparative criteria 
Write statements of significance that describe the value and meaning of collection 
Seek feedback from colleagues on statement of significance 
Enter significance assessment into organisational records in the required format and within required timeframes 
Reassess significance of collection 
Update statement of significance to reflect reassessment 
Amend organisational records 
Prepare recommendations for further action as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUACNM501 - Assess the significance of collections
Assessment task 1: [title]

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

CUACNM501 - Assess the significance of collections

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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