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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Source and apply industry information
  2. Identify and use relevant sources to acquire basic information about the library/information servicesindustry
  3. Use industry knowledge appropriately to enhance the quality of work outcomes
  4. Source and apply information on industry employment obligations and opportunities
  5. Identify and use relevant sources to acquire information about employment obligationsand opportunities in the library/information services industry
  6. Use knowledge of industry employment obligations and opportunities appropriately within day-to-day work activities
  7. Seek opportunities to update industry knowledge
  8. Identify and use a range of information sources and opportunities to update knowledge of the library/information services industry
  9. Monitor current key issues affecting the industry, using appropriate industry channels
  10. Share updated knowledge with customers and colleagues as appropriate, and incorporate into day-to-day work activities

Required Skills

Required skills

research skills to source information on general industry issues within a defined range

literacy skills to interpret a wide variety of information sources

Required knowledge

sources of information on the libraryinformation services industry

industry structure including different operating structures both public and private

historical development of libraries and other information services providers and their role within the community including the role of libraries as lifelong learning organisations

overview of the philosophies of libraries

overview of the history of books

overview of legislation that impacts on the industry including privacy child protection copyright

key work areas within librariesinformation services

nature role and functions of relevant unions and employer bodies

major industry organisations and professional associations

employee and employer obligations

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

general knowledge of the libraryinformation services industry and ways to maintain currency of knowledge

understanding of the ways in which industry knowledge can be applied to work activities to enhance work outcomes

application of industry information to specific contexts and work activities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

access to current sources of industry information

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 by the candidate

evaluation of candidates response to different scenarios showing ability to apply knowledge to different industry contexts and situations

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of different aspects of the libraryinformation services industry

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended


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.

Basic information about the library/information services industry should include:

historical perspective on libraries

scope and nature of library/information services within the community

different operations structures for information services organisations

key contacts and industry networks

relationship of library/information services industry to other industries and cultural policy development

products and services typically provided by library/information services providers

legislation that impacts on the industry

Library/information services within the community 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

Other industries with which the library/information services industry has a relationship may include:

community recreation

community development

local government

tourism

hospitality

retail

Employment obligationsand opportunities in the library/information services industry may relate to:

career opportunities

basic rights and responsibilities of the employer and employee

employment conditions

award provisions

enterprise bargaining agreements

job descriptions

Information sources and opportunities to update industry knowledge may include:

industry associations and organisations

industry journals

media

internet

reference manuals

events e.g. conferences, seminars, trade fairs

training programs

community activities

social events

professional associations

unions and employer bodies

Current key issues affectingthe industry may relate to:

government initiatives

funding policies

changing nature of the customer

trends in library/information services practice

impact of new technologies